AT-AIM (FaME) Study (v1.0)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Implementation of the Falls Management Exercise (FaME) programme among community-dwelling older men. Acceptability of Teleconferencing-Assisted Implementation of FaME as an intervention for community-dwelling older Men (AT-AIM (FaME) Study)
IRAS ID
342065
Contact name
Helen Hawley-Hague
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NIHR20017405156, Additional Funder; NIHR206119, Additional Funder
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Falls can cause injury and concerns about falling, limiting activity and function, contributing to loss of confidence and independence. Whilst falls become more common with age, they are not inevitable and can be prevented. Proven to reduce falls and concerns about falling, the Falls Management Exercise programme (FaME) is an evidence-based, face-to-face falls prevention intervention, for community-dwelling older adults, with additional home-based exercises. However, like other falls prevention programmes, less older men take up FaME when compared to older women. We have established that more men are reported to participate in FaME when it is delivered using technology. We do not know why this is and there is little understanding of older men's experience and perceptions of the FaME programme. This study aims to address this lack of knowledge through informal interviews, focus discussion groups and a feasibility study. Ten to fifteen community-dwelling older men, age 60 years and older who are referred to FaME across Manchester, and ten to fifteen Health Professionals and Postural Stability Instructors who deliver FaME will be recruited to the study. The participants will also be asked for their views on the novel use of teleconferencing technology (videoconferencing e.g. Zoom, through laptops, computers, iPads/Android tablets) to help deliver the FaME programme. In addition, five to eight of the men who take part will be invited to join a small feasibility study, using teleconferencing to assist the delivery of FaME. This will be after completion of a routine pre-exercise assessment by the Postural Stability Instructor, ensuring safe participation. With the potential to facilitate greater uptake, adherence and effective dose of FaME, this new evidence could support the wider rollout of the programme across the united Kingdom.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
25/WS/0117
Date of REC Opinion
1 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion