Living in Fitness Together (LIFT): Testing an Innovative Fall Prevention Program

Group-based exercise and peer coaching will take place over 6 weeks plus one booster visit after 3 months, and include physical therapist-led 1 hour sessions 2 times per week for 2 weeks followed by once per week for 4 weeks (8 sessions) to include: progressive strengthening, balance and mobility exercises; patient goal setting; peer coaching training activities to teach group members ways to help each other to meet their exercise goals during and after classes are over. There will be an individualized home program including flexibility, strengthening, walking, and balance, as well as activity monitoring.

The usual PT and attention control group class will receive standard one-on-one PT strength, balance, gait and education intervention, and group classes to provide valuable information about healthy living, including nutrition, relaxation, and stress management. The attention control - healthy living group classes will take place over 6 weeks plus one booster visit after 3 months, and include 1 hour sessions 2 times per week for 2 weeks followed by once per week for 4 weeks (8 sessions).