Sub-study of the Essen Study Centre for the ENTAiER Trial
Elderly Patients, Chronically Ill, Increased Risk of Falling
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Elderly Patients
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- At least 65 years.
- Chronic disease (musculoskeletal, neurological, internal medicine).
- Increased risk of falling (Berg Balance Scale Score 49 or less).
- Medical history: feeling of balance disturbance in the past.
- Independent living at home or in an old people's or retirement home.
- Regular participation in a one-hour event is possible.
- Sufficiently mobile to leave the place of residence independently at least twice a week
- Written declaration of consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Disease that restricts participation (e.g. terminal disease, heart failure NYHA III-IV, unstable angina pectoris, uncontrolled seizure disorder, decompensated lung disease that already leads to shortness of breath during light activity, advanced cancer, chemo- or radiotherapy ongoing or during the last 3 months, amputation of one or both legs)
- Complete dependence on the rollator.
- Visual, hearing or speech problems that limit the understanding of the study documents and processes.
- Major cognitive impairment (MoCA score 18 or less).
- High risk of needing individual supervision during group sessions.
- Severe personality disorder or psychiatric illness, alcoholism or other substance dependence affecting the group sessions.
- Life expectancy under 1 year.
- Permanent bed-riddenness expected in less than one year.
- Regular participation in Tai Chi or EYT in the last 6 months.
- Participation in intensive sports activities in the last month (e.g. training in the fitness centre or in sports groups which lead to breathlessness and sweating; skiing, mountaineering in high mountains).
- Patients who cannot understand the nature, meaning and necessities of participating in a study.
- Participation in another clinical trial within 3 months prior to screening for the ENTAiER trial or concurrent participation in another trial that may interfere with this trial.
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Experimental
Experimental
Active Comparator
Eurythmy therapy exercises
Tai Chi exercises
Standard Care Only
As part of the ENTAiER trial: In group sessions á 5 patients with a qualified therapist: In the first 3 months twice a week, in the second 3 months once a week. Recommendation to practice at home on at least 3 days per week (optimal, practice daily). They are supported by an eurythmy manual and an exercise video. This supplements the regular care.
As part of the ENTAiER trial:In group sessions of 5 patients each with a qualified teacher: In the first 3 months twice a week, in the second 3 months once a week. Recommendation to practice at home on at least 3 days per week (optimal, practice daily). They are supported by a Tai Chi Manual and an exercise video. This complements the regular care
As part of the ENTAiER trial:Brochure with detailed description of various evidence-based measures for fall prevention, prepared for the specific age group (https://www.trittsicher.org/files/trittsicher_bzga_sturzpraevention_2015-11-23.pdf) - Recommendation to visit the family doctor and discuss fall prophylaxis with her