[The osteoporotic fracture prevention program in rural areas (OFRA): analysis of 1092 mobility courses in rural areas]

Abstract

Background: Specific training reduces the risk of falls and fall-related injuries in older persons. The availability of specific exercise programs in Germany, especially in rural areas is scarce. Therefore, a healthcare fund driven program osteoporotic fracture prevention program in rural areas (OFRA) (German name: "Trittsicher durchs Leben") was implemented in rural areas in 47 counties of 5 federal states. The most important components of the program are the "Trittsicher" mobility course and falls prevention classes organized by members of the German Association of Rural Women and executed by exercise instructors of the German Gymnastics Association or physiotherapists. Since the start of the program in October 2015 more than 2300 classes have been carried out.

Aim: The study analyzed the structural characteristics of the first 1092 "Trittsicher" mobility courses and the characteristics of the 12,246 participants.

Method: The analysis is based on data of a standardized course documentation sheet and information from an internal database of a health insurance company. Additionally, the distance between the location of the course and place of residence was determined for a subgroup of the participants.

Results: The classes were conducted in communal and confessional rooms, in sports associations, kindergartens and restaurants. The majority of the 12,246 participants were female (89.1%), the median age was 75 years. The average size of the classes was 11.2 participants per course. More than half of the participants attended all six sessions. Half of the participants of the courses had to travel less than 1.7 km between the place of residence and the location of the courses.

Conclusion: "Trittsicher" mobility courses are a new specific offer to improve mobility and reduce the risk of falling. They contribute to a better care of older people in rural areas.

Keywords: Fall prevention; Fractures; Osteoporosis; Physical activity; Rural area.