Evidence-based Community Fall Prevention Program for Older People with Diabetes

In Hong Kong, the prevalence of diabetes is greater than 20% in elderly people (HA 2008). Our recent findings demonstrated that strength of ankle muscles and tactile sensation of the foot region are significantly reduced, and tightness of foot-ankle complex is increased in diabetic patients, which lead to balance disorder and increased risk of fall. Currently, there is no specific fall prevention program available for diabetic patients locally, only a few hospitals provide general exercise programs to these patients. This project aims to provide specific exercise program targeted at fall prevention for these patients in a community setting. Upon completion of this exercise program, participants are expected to have better balance control, reduce risk of fall, and develop good exercise regime will become known to more community centres, so that more patients will benefit from the program.

Funding Source: HKSAR Govt Related Organizations - Others^