Impact of lower extremity strengthening exercises and mobility on fall rates in hospitalized adults

Abstract

Preventing falls in acute care hospitals is a major challenge, and achieving positive outcomes has remained elusive. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of lower extremity strengthening exercises and mobility on fall rates and fall rates with injury. A nonequivalent control group design was used. Subjects on the intervention unit received targeted lower extremity strengthening exercises and ambulation using a nurse-driven mobility protocol; subjects on the control unit received ambulation alone. One assisted fall occurred on the intervention unit.