A randomised controlled trial investigating the effect of the Home Activity Monitoring Program (HAMP) on functional status and falls in independent, home dwelling 65+ year old adults

INTERVENTION: An initial session will be conducted by an Exercise Physiologist to teach the intervention subjects the HAMP activities and exercises. This session will be approximately 60 minutes in duration and will include a series of simple physical exercises that can be completed at home with minimal equipment. The HAMP exercises are clearly explained in a booklet containing pictures and instructions which the intervention participants will take home to work from. The HAMP booklet contains a standard set of exercises for each intervention participant. The home based activities and exercises are then to be completed independently within the participant's own home for a minumum of 30 minutes 3 times per week for a period of 12 weeks. Telephone contact will be made with participants at weeks 3, 6 and 9. Additional calls will be taken at any time from subjects to support their participation. Intervention subjects will be re‐assessed in week 13. CONDITION: Falls Functional status PRIMARY OUTCOME: 6 Minute Walk Test SECONDARY OUTCOME: 30 Second Sit to Stand Test Elderly Falls Screening Test ; A self‐reported questionnaire including 3 questions about falls in the last 12 months, injuries from falls and near falls. Functional Reach Test Self‐selected and Maximum Gait Speed Timed up and Go Test INCLUSION CRITERIA: 65 years or older Community residing; Functionally independent; Ambulatory with or without regular use of an assistive device; Have no medical conditions or physical or cognitive limitations that would prohibit them from following instructions and participating safely in the outcome assessments and exercise intervention; Not identified as having a falls risk as determined by the Elderly Falls Screening Test. Medical Clearance by Associate Professor RK Penhall