Balance Training

Description:

The Balance Training website provides either tailored or generic advice relating to strength and balance training.  Tailored advice is based on users' demographic data, self-rated strength and balance ability and current amount of strength and training activity.  Advice is provided in the form of tips for improvement, overcoming barriers, recommendations for suitable activities, and advice relating to particular health conditions.  Users can also complete an action plan detailing when and where they plan to carry out strength and balance training.  The content of the generic advice webpages is similar to that provided in the tailored pages, but is not tailored to the individual needs of the user.

Service URL:

http://www.balancetraining.org.uk

Agency Responsible:

University of Southampton, UK.

Details

Format:

Website.

Intervention Type:

Educational (primarily educational material or psychoeducation).

Course Length:

Long (more than 5 modules). Program length is unclear

Support Option:

No support.

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Physical activity.

Target Audience:

Older Adult.

Language:

English.

Access

Fee:

Free.

Access:

Open: No registration required.

Contact Details:

Sam.Nyman@soton.ac.uk

Research evidence

Research Trials:

2

Research RCTs:

0

Outcome Summary:

Two evaluations of Balance Training have been conducted, and in both trials, participants were randomised to receive either tailored advice (intervention) or generic advice (control) via the Balance Training website.  In one trial, those in the tailored advice group reported greater perceived relevance of the strength and balance training activities recommended to them, greater confidence in the ability to carry them out, and hence stronger intentions to undertake the activities.  In another trial, particpants who received the tailored advice were significantly more likely to find the advice and recommended activites more personally relevant to them, and those who completed an action plan showed increased confidence in undertaking strength and balance training.

Recommended rating, reviewer 1:

Recommended rating, reviewer 2:

Read more about Beacon's Smiley Rating System.

Research paper citations

Efficacy studies

1. Nyman, S. R., Yardley, L. (2009a). Web-site-based tailored advice to promote strength and balance training: an experimental evaluation. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 17(2), 210-222.
2. Yardley, L. & Nyman, S. R. (2007). Internet provision of tailored advice on falls prevention activities for older people: a randomised controlled evaluation. Health Promotion International, 22(2), 122-128.

Additional references

1. Nyman, S. R. & Yardley, L. (2009b). Usability and acceptability of a website that provides tailored advice on falls prevention activities for older people. Health Informatics Journal, 15 (1), 27-39.