Long-Term Participation in Peer-Led Fall Prevention Classes Predicts Lower Fall Incidence

Abstract Objective To investigate the association between length of participation in Steady As You Go (SAYGO) peer-led fall prevention exercise classes for older adults and 12-month fall incidence. Design Twelve-month prospective cohort study. Setting Community settings. Participants Older adults (N=207; 189 women, 18 men) aged ≥65y (mean age ± SD, 77.7±6.6y) actively participating in SAYGO classes. Intervention Peer-led fall prevention exercise classes. Main Outcome Measures Twelve-month prospective fall incidence data were collected by monthly calendars. Falls in the previous year and number of years of SAYGO participation were obtained by baseline questionnaire. Class attendance was monitored weekly by class attendance records. Results Mean length ± SD of SAYGO participation was 4.3±2.5 years (range, 1–10y). Average class attendance was 69%. Crude fall rate was .75 per person-year. Fall incidences at 12 and 24 months were highly correlated ( r =.897, P