ICT Solutions to Develop an Effective Motor and Cognitive Training to Reduce Risk of Falls - The I-DONT-FALL Project.

This study shows preliminary results of the multicenter and international I-DONT-FALL (IDF) project, cofunded by the European Union, aiming to offer an integrated Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) solution for fall prevention and detection. Here we assessed the efficacy of a motor and a cognitive treatment delivered through the IDF ICT solution, aiming to reduce the risk of falls through a randomized controlled trial. The outcome was measured with the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and the subscales of the Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment for balance (POMA-B) and gait (POMA-G). We compared the effect of a 24-sessions period of motor training delivered through an i-Walker vs. a comparable period of non-motor training in terms of frequency and duration of sessions. The same comparison was performed for a period of cognitive training delivered though a touch-screen computer interface vs. a comparable period of non-cognitive training in terms of frequency and duration of sessions. Results showed that motor treatment alone or mixed with cognitive training reduces significantly the fear of falling and the risk of falls. Both cognitive and motor treatments showed a nonspecific positive effect on balance performance of participants. These preliminary results are consistent with previous evidences.