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General Rehabilitation

Evaluating A Matter of Balance Series for Fall Prevention in Rural Texas: Findings and Implications

Friday, October 24, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM MT
Location: Kiosk 9
Has Audio

    Primary Author(s)

  • Bergen Lemack, Other (he/him/his)

    Medical Student
    University of North Texas HSC Fort Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Fort Worth, Texas

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Sara Murphy, PhD

    Assistant Professor
    University of North Texas Health Science Center
    Fort Worth, Texas

Disclosure(s):
Bergen Lemack, Other: No financial relationships to disclose
Sara Murphy, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose
Background and/or Objectives: Falls are a leading cause of injury-related death among older adults, with nearly one-third of adults over 65 experiencing a fall annually (CDC, 2023). Older adults in rural areas face unique challenges in fall prevention, necessitating targeted interventions. A Matter of Balance (MOB) is designed to enhance confidence, increase physical activity, and improve fall prevention awareness. This study evaluates the effectiveness of MOB in improving participants’ knowledge and physical stability.

Design: A secondary analysis of pre- and post-program survey data was conducted on participants who completed the MOB program in 2023. A paired t-test was used to assess changes in fall prevention knowledge, confidence, and self-reported physical stability.

Setting : The study was conducted in rural Texas communities meeting the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) definition of rural.

Participants : A total of 164 older adults participated in the study, all residing in HRSA-defined rural areas.

Interventions: MOB is an evidence-based program designed to reduce fall risk by improving knowledge about fall prevention, increasing confidence, and promoting strength and balance exercises. The program includes education on strategies to reduce falls, protect oneself if a fall occurs, and improve mobility.

Main Outcome Measures: Key outcomes included participant-reported improvements in fall prevention knowledge, confidence, physical strength, steadiness, and ability to get up after a fall.

Results: Statistical analyses demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge of fall prevention (p <.001), protecting oneself if a fall occurs (p <.001), increasing physical strength (p <.001), becoming steadier on one’s feet (p <.001), and getting up after a fall (p <.001).

Conclusions: The MOB program is an effective intervention for improving fall prevention awareness, confidence, and physical stability among older adults in rural Texas. These findings support the continued implementation of MOB to enhance well-being and reduce fall risk in this population.