The “method of physical action” in theatre training improves balance and reduces fall risk in older adults living in subsidized housing: A randomized controlled trial

Residents of subsidized senior housing (SSH) need housing-based interventions to address high rates of physical inactivity and social isolation that can lead to increased risks of physical and mental health impairments. Theatre experience training (TET) programs have been shown to improve cognitive function, emotional well-being, social connection, and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in this population. This study evaluated the effect of an innovative TET program involving the method of physical acting on objective measures of physical functioning and emotional stress.

This single-blind trial randomized SSH residents from five SSH communities to a 10-week, twice-weekly TET program or a waitlist control arm, with randomization conducted separately in each SSH. Participants’ static balance, functional mobility, lower body strength, HR-QoL, emotional stress as measured by hair cortisol levels, and fall incidents were assessed at baseline, post-program, and 3-month follow-up.

The study enrolled 81 participants; 53 were randomized to the TET arm and 28 to the waitlist arm. TET arm participants had improved static balance and reduced falls post-program compared with control arm participants. Some carry-over effect was observed at the 3-month follow-up. No net benefit was observed for functional mobility, lower body strength, HR-QoL, or stress levels at the post-program or 3-month follow-up assessments.

The TET program involving the method of physical acting can improve static balance and reduce fall incidents in SSH residents. Ongoing TET programs in SSH may help residents maintain reductions in fall incidents.