The interaction between an increase in

duration and frequency of exercise, and the reduction in adherence, poses some potential difficulties in the clinical setting. For physiological changes to occur, exercise on a regular basis is vital (Sims et al 2006). Thus, a sustained exercise regimen over the long term would theoretically present the most benefits. However, the results of this review indicate that as the duration of group exercise interventions increase, adherence decreases, limiting the benefits of exercise. Achieving the balance between encouraging frequent, long-term group exercise for the prevention of falls, and facilitating optimum adherence is likely to be difficult. LY294002 purchase Nevertheless, health care professionals must be aware of this interaction, and adjust group exercise regimens accordingly. Similarly, the presence of this relationship should be considered by policy makers when investigating viable interventions to finance. Additional research is recommended to further ascertain the influence of intervention-level factors on adherence to group exercise interventions for falls prevention. Though this analysis did not demonstrate a relationship between adherence and the falls prevention efficacy of an intervention for community-dwelling

older adults, additional research is encouraged to further explore this area. One might wonder whether exercise AZD2281 programs are effective at all if increasing adherence is not related to increasing program efficacy. Metalloexopeptidase However, it may be that people who

respond less to exercise are the ones more likely to adhere for longer. Conversely, others may take the principles learnt during group exercise, and continue independently, classing them as non-adherent but still achieving the desired effect of the program. Finally, there is a need for authors to ensure that the reporting of adherence data is consistent, easy to understand, and transparent. These changes would enhance the quality of the evidence base for group exercise interventions, and facilitate better knowledge to guide public policy. This review focussed on investigating the factors that affect adherence to group exercise interventions for older adults for the prevention of falls. It was found that a relationship may be present between a flexibility component in exercise, increased intervention duration, decreased frequency of sessions per week, and lower levels of compliance. There was an absence of evidence to link adherence to the intervention with falls prevention efficacy. This has numerous consequences for future research as well as for fall prevention programs. A focus must be placed on ensuring people are likely to carry through an intervention as part of implementation. Authors are urged to place emphasis on adherence measurements, and record them consistently and appropriately.