Research

Published independent scientific evaluations prove that participants in the Move With Balance program will reduce their medical costs by 20% and reduce falls by 66%.

Scientifically proven results

We have invested in four independent evaluations and one Cost/Benefit Analysis. An evidence-based study, conducted by Lorrin Pang MD, Maui District Health Officer for the State of Hawai‘i, was published in the November 2013 issue of the “Hawaii Journal of Medicine and Public Health”. Dr Pang states that “the efficacy of the Move With Balance program to prevent falls is 66%”.

I met Karen Peterson twenty-five years ago when she introduced me to her expertise in movement and perception. We worked together to help alleviate vision and balance issues. Her present concern is enhancing balance and thereby preventing falls. This program is based on cutting-edge science. She uses modified techniques that Olympic athletes employ with good success.

I wholeheartedly endorse her work to make seniors safer and to help them lead more active and productive lives

Edvin Manniko

OD, behavioral optometrist

June 4, 2012

An Exercise Program to Prevent Falls in Institutionalized Elderly with Cognitive Deficits: A Crossover Pilot Study

Performed by Dr. Lorrin Pang, Director of the Maui District Health Office.

logo.1maile3Move with Balance is now evidence-based!

The efficacy of the Move With Balance program to prevent falls is about 66%. Full article is published in the Hawaii Journal of Medicine and Public Health November 2103. Read the in-depth article here. 

June 2018

Cost Benefit Analysis (ROI) of a falls prevention program in older adults

Dr. Lorrin Pang and Kristin Mills from the Maui District Health Office have written a Cost Benefit Analysis of Move With Balance®.

What is it about?

Falls among older adults cost a lot of money in medical expenses each year. Move with Balance has previously been shown to be an effective program at reducing falls. We compared the cost of this program to the estimated monetary benefits of reduced falls. The results are the cost benefit of the Move with Balance program.

Why is it important?

This research is important because it stated that as a result of the Move with Balance program, a substantial monetary benefit was gained in reduced falls as compared to the cost of conducting the fall prevention program. The benefits may be even greater if one includes non-medical benefits (i.e., improved activities of daily living, social support, etc.). These monetary benefits can be increased by providing the Move with Balance program to more older adults on a regular basis. Cost benefit analyses are important for all programs to conduct so that the return on investment of various programs can be directly compared.

https://journals.humankinetics.com/doi/abs/10.1123/jpah.2017-0225

Kristin Mills, author, State of Hawaii

Most health-related programs conduct analyses to assess the program’s effectiveness (efficacy). But many programs do not conduct cost benefit (or return on investment) analyses. Cost benefit analyses are important for various reasons. First, some programs may be effective at reducing falls but may be very costly to conduct. Hence, the return on investment may be low and unrealistic to financially sustain. Other programs may be just as effective and also more affordable. The more affordable programs would be more sustainable to conduct and have more bang for the buck. Next, when multiple health promotion programs are competing for limited funding sources, the program’s cost benefit results can be used to determine which program has the potential to not only positively improve health, but also create more monetary benefits. Hence, cost benefit analyses are important to conduct so that programs can be chosen that are both effective and financially sustainable.

October 2016 and January 2017

Two independent evaluations at Kaunoa Senior Center, Maui

Evaluation of Move With Balance® with Music at Kaunoa Senior Center by Kristin Mills from the Maui District Health Office. You can read more about the program and evaluation here: evaluation #1  and evaluation #2.

August 4, 2009

Evaluation requested by The Injury Prevention and Control Program of the Hawai‘i State Department of Health.

Evaluation performed by Dr. Lorrin Pang, Director of the Maui District Health Office. The following is a summary.

May 30, 2008

The Giving Back® Fall Prevention Project (GBFPP)

Performed by Carol S. White, RN, over 40 years’ experience, 25 of these working in community health and long term care; University of Hawai‘i Maui Campus Nursing Faculty since 2002; administrative level nurse in community health; evaluates programs and is responsible for CQI (continuing quality improvement) of patient simulator program. Here is the summary.

Help us improve the lives of our elders

Your support will help us reach more senior citizens and support families in need in their own communities.