Primary and secondary outcomes
Fracture, fractures, syncope, pain
SECONDARY, EVENT
We studied the effect of an exercise intervention on the primary outcome, i.e. falls. In addition, falling mechanisms, injurious falls and fractures were analysed as the secondary outcome. All outcomes shared the same inclusion criteria (of tripping, slipping, syncope or similar event from less than 1-m height). The mean (SD) follow-up time for falls was 22.6 (4.8) months, with 1716.4 person-years. Recording of fall was done using cellular phone-based automated biweekly short message service (SMS) and subsequent phone interview. Thus, falls were verified within 2 weeks of the incident by a structured phone interview to provide details of fall mechanism, location, terrain, level of injury and pain (none/moderate/severe), medical treatment and induced fear of fall. In addition, the self-administered study diary was used as a backup method for the fall recording in 3-month intervals, including falls and time spent in physical activities. Fall risk estimates covered the time from the baseline up to the last contact date when any confirmed fall information, i.e. the last SMS response, returned study diary or study visit. ‘Outdoor falls’ required location with seasonal exposure to the elements. ‘Indoor falls’ definition required standard climate conditions. Self-reported fall types that are subject to individual interpretation, miscellaneous or unclear cause were categorized as unspecified. Fracture analysis was based on hospital discharge registry and patient perusals with a mean (SD) follow-time of 23.4 (3.8) months.