A 16-week multimodal exercise program reduced psychological aspects of concerns about falling (P=0.014), while neuroendocrine and inflammatory markers remained unchanged.
RCT (n=160)
randomized
Does a 16-week multimodal exercise program improve concerns about falling, stress pathways, and peripheral inflammation in community-dwelling older adults aged ≥70 years?
A 16-week multimodal exercise program reduces psychological concerns about falling in older adults but does not significantly alter physiological stress or inflammatory markers.
p-value: p== .014
Introduction: Concerns about falling (CaF) are common in older adults and may act as a chronic stressor affecting physical activity, psychological well-being and physiological regulation. This study examined the impact of a 16-week multimodal exercise intervention on CaF, stress pathways, and peripheral inflammation in older adults. Methods: In the randomized, controlled FEARFALL study, 160 community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥70 years) were assigned to either an intervention group (IG) or a sham control group (SCG). The IG received a multimodal exercise program, while the SCG engaged in low-intensity activities. Three psychological questionnaires were used to assess CaF: Falls Efficacy Scale-International FES-I (fear of falling); Falls Efficacy Scale-International Avoidance Behavior FES-IAB (avoidance behavior); Updated Perceived Control of Falling Scale UP-CoF (perceived control). Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity was determined using saliva samples (cortisol, alpha-amylase), inflammatory markers using blood samples (C-reactive protein CRP, Interleukin 6 IL-6). Results: = .014), while other neuroendocrine and inflammatory markers remained unchanged. Conclusion: A multimodal short-term intervention reduced psychological aspects of CaF, while physiological stress and inflammatory parameters may require more intensive or longer-term interventions. Findings support CaF as a biopsychosocial stressor and highlight the efficacy of multimodal programs in enhancing coping in older adults.
Müller et al. (2025) conducted an RCT in Concerns about falling (n=160). Multimodal exercise program vs. Sham control group (low-intensity activities) was evaluated on Concerns about falling, stress pathways, and peripheral inflammation (p== .014). A 16-week multimodal exercise program reduced psychological aspects of concerns about falling (P=0.014), while neuroendocrine and inflammatory markers remained unchanged.