Effectiveness of the Lebed method therapeutic intervention on fall apprehension among elderly individuals in Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: In Kenya, falls among individuals over 60 are a major concern. Despite physical activity being known to reduce fall risks, there are challenges like high drop-out rates and limited exercise types in existing studies. The Lebed Method, a dance program initially developed for breast cancer survivors by Sherry Lebed Davis, has shown potential in improving physical and emotional well-being.

Objective: This study aimed to explore its effectiveness in improving fall apprehension among the elderly in Kakamega County.

Design: The study involved a community-based randomized control trial.

Subjects: The study involved 30 participants aged 60 and above, selected based on low social support scores. They were divided into intervention and control groups, meeting specific inclusion criteria.

Main outcome measures: Baseline fall apprehension measures included The Morse Fall Scale, The Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Analysis: Changes in fall apprehension between the groups were assessed using the Analysis of Covariance. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: After controlling for pre intervention scores, the results showed that the intervention group improved significantly compared to the control group in fall risk [Morse Fall Scale scores (p < .001, ηp² = 0.62, d=2.2)] and fall efficacy [Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FESI) scores (p < .001, ηp² = 0.53, d=2.33)], but not in the mini mental state scores [MMSE scores (p =0.06)].

Conclusion: The study indicated that while the Lebed Method significantly reduced fall risk and improved fall efficacy, cognitive function was not significantly impacted.