Community Alliance for Quality of Life in Long Term Care: The Effects of a Walking Program on Balance, Falls and Well Being in Individuals Residing in Long-term Care

Residents in LTC facilities in the Saskatoon Health Region and Regina Qu'Appelle Region will be recruited.

Inclusion criteria: Male or female residents who are able to follow simple instructions, who can ambulate with or without a walking aid for at least 10 meters, and who are willing to participate in the study procedures will be eligible to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria: Residents who have experienced a recent cardiovascular event (within past 6 months) or have severe arthritis, cardiac instability, a vestibular disorder, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled epilepsy, a recent fracture (past 4 months), who have had a recent admission into an acute care facility (past 4 months), who are scheduled for surgery or hospitalization in next 6 months or who are participating in another regular exercise program (three or more times per week) aimed at improving balance or strength will be excluded from the study.

Based on the sample size calculations, a sample size of 129 participants will provide ample power for the repeated measures analyses. Data will be collected from an additional 50 participants in order to deal with the possibility of attrition. Thus, total sample size is 179 participants.

The investigators will meet with the LTC facilities' administrators and staff to inform them of the study, inclusion and exclusion criteria, study procedures and interventions. They will be provided with copies of a one page information form which includes a space for residents (or substitute medical decision-maker, if appropriate) to indicate their signed consent to be approached by research staff with more detailed information (Appendix). Staff will provide this form to potential/eligible subjects, and will collect these forms when completed. Subjects who have consented to be contacted by research staff will be provided with more detailed information about the study by the research coordinator. If the resident is in agreement, he or she will then give written consent and will be entered into the study. The consent will include written permission for researchers to consult with the subject's family physician about the subject's health, and to ensure optimization of vitamin D intake prior to enrollment.