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Introduction: Falls are a leading cause of injury and mortality among older adults, posing a significant public health concern worldwide. By participating in fun, culturally relevant, and recreational fall prevention interventions, older adults are more likely to be motivated and stay engaged in fall prevention educational programs.

Methods: Pasos Seguros (confident steps) provided six weekly 60-minute sessions at the UTEP Rehab Sciences Complex, each including 45 minutes of chair-supported Latin dance instruction (cumbia, bachata, salsa) followed by 15 minutes of fall prevention education (home safety, medication effects, and emergency preparedness) through the UTEP Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Results: A paired-samples t-test revealed a statistically significant improvement in TUG performance from pretest (M = 8.64, SD= 1.52) to posttest (M = 7.32, SD = 1.56), t(16) = -4.60, p < .001, 95% CI [-1.93, -0.71]. A paired-samples t-test demonstrated statistically significant improvement in fall prevention knowledge from pretest (M= 13.18, SD = 2.46) to posttest (M = 14.18, SD = 1.74), t(16) = 2.55, p = .022, 95% CI [0.17, 1.83].

Discussion: The Pasos Seguros program demonstrated significant effectiveness in improving functional mobility among older adults, as evidenced by paired T-test analyses. The 1.32-second mean improvement in TUG performance represents a clinically meaningful change.

Conclusion: These findings provide strong evidence for the integration of culturally-relevant physical activity interventions with structured fall prevention education as an effective approach to improving functional mobility in older adults.

Publication Date

2025

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Pasos Seguros: Investigating the Impact of Latin Dance and Fall Prevention Education on Fall Risk in Older Adults

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