Alison Phillips, associate professor in the Department of Psychology, and Philip Dixon, University Professor in the Department of Statistics, are co-principal investigators on a research project that was recently awarded a $1,050,000 grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC will fund their study, “Process and Outcome Evaluation of the Walk with Ease program for Fall Prevention,” until 2025.
Greg Welk, professor in the Department of Kinesiology, is principal investigator on this research.
Additional research details
The team’s proposed study will use a randomized controlled trial design to evaluate the potential of incorporating physical therapy exercises (primary prevention strategy) within an evidence-based intervention called Walk with Ease. The program is designed to reduce falls and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults.
The integrated process and outcome evaluation will determine the relative effectiveness of individually prescribed exercises, compared to standardized exercises, as well as the potential of formalized ‘habit training’ to improve adherence with exercises in this population.
The study, conducted through a local clinical-community partnership, will advance both science and practice while also informing implementation strategies needed to promote broader dissemination in collaboration with the CHPcommunity and the Iowa Falls Prevention Coalition.