# Effectiveness of home safety training and balance exercises in reducing fear of falling among older women: A quasi-experimental study in southern Iran

## TL;DR

A home safety training and balance exercise program reduced fear of falling in older Iranian women, though balance and fall frequency didn't improve much.

## Contribution

A combined home-safety training and balance-exercise program was tested for reducing fear of falling in older women.

## Key findings

- The intervention reduced fear of falling by 34% and improved home ergonomic safety.
- Ergonomic improvements were most evident in bathrooms and kitchens.
- No significant changes were observed in balance performance or fall frequency overall.

## Abstract

This study examined whether a combined home-safety training and balance-exercise program could reduce fear of falling and improve ergonomic risks.

This quasi-experimental study included 336 Iranian women aged ≥60 who were non-randomly assigned to four groups based on the pre-existing type of anti-slip flooring in their homes. Over a two-month period in 2024, participants received home-safety training focused on practical ergonomic modifications, along with supervised balance and strength exercises. Outcomes included the Fear of Falling questionnaire, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test, and an ergonomic home-risk checklist.

The intervention significantly reduced fear of falling and improved home ergonomic safety (p = 0.01). No significant changes were observed in balance performance (Berg: p = 0.82; TUG: p = 0.34) or fall frequency (p = 0.46). Among flooring types, the Sonia group showed the largest reduction in fear of falling (p = 0.02), while the Selda group showed a small decrease in fall frequency (p = 0.01). Ergonomic improvements were most evident in bathrooms and kitchens, where grab bars and non-slip surfaces were implemented.

Home safety training combined with targeted ergonomic changes effectively reduced fear of falling and improved home safety.

•Home-safety training plus balance exercises cut fear of falling by 34 %.•The intervention improved home safety and led to key home modifications.•No significant overall gains in balance or fall frequency were observed.•Sonia flooring showed the largest drop in fear of falling; Selda slightly cut falls.•Longer interventions may be needed to improve balance and reduce falls.

Home-safety training plus balance exercises cut fear of falling by 34 %.

The intervention improved home safety and led to key home modifications.

No significant overall gains in balance or fall frequency were observed.

Sonia flooring showed the largest drop in fear of falling; Selda slightly cut falls.

Longer interventions may be needed to improve balance and reduce falls.