77INFLUENCE OF FALL PREVENTION EXERCISE PROGRAMMES ON MARKERS OF INFLAMMATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN OLDER PEOPLE

Abstract

Introduction: Strength and balance training programmes such as the Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) and Falls Management Exercise (FaME) were designed primarily for fall prevention but meet the physical activity guidelines recommended for broader health outcomes in older people. We aimed to determine the influence of OEP and FaME on inflammation and cardiovascular risk factors in older people. Methods: This study involved participants in the ProAct 65+ trial bone sub‐study. Men and women aged over 65 were recruited through primary care and allocated by practice to six months of OEP, FaME or usual care. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline (prior to allocation) and at the end of the trial, and analysed for total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (CRP). Cardiovascular risk factors were analysed using linear regression models; comparing final value according to treatment arm, with baseline value and age, gender and statin use as covariates. Results: Of 319 participants recruited for the bone sub‐study, 293 completed the study, 218 of whom provided serum. These participants were 70% female, aged 71.8 + 5.3 years. CRP changes did not differ between treatment arms. Mean (SE) changes in HDLC in OEP, FaME and usual care groups were +0.04(0.03), +0.02 (0.03) and ‐0.17 (0.04) mmol/L respectively, being maintained in OEP and FaME relative to usual care groups (both P < 0.001). Corresponding changes in TC were +0.18 (0.10), +0.00. Conclusions: Strength and balance training prevented the decline in HDLC demonstrated in the usual care group. Falls prevention exercise conducted over six months may benefit cardiovascular risk profile as well as preventing falls.