Effects of structured positive feedback intervention on standing reach ability among older adults admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward: a small-sample pilot randomized controlled trial

Interventions to improve the standing reach ability of older adults are essential for full functional independence, and structured positive feedback (PF) may be an effective intervention strategy. The purposes of this pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) are to investigate the preliminary efficacy of structured PF for improving the standing reach ability of older patients admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward and evaluate the feasibility of a future full-scale RCT.

Thirty-two eligible older adults (83.3 ± 5.9 years, 23 women) out of 587 potential participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to structured PF (experimental) and conventional rehabilitation (control) groups. Only the experimental group received PF intervention for standing reach ability once every 3 days. Both groups engaged in conventional rehabilitation programs for 2–3 h every day. The primary outcome was change in Functional Reach Test (FRT) performance after 5 weeks of the indicated intervention compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes were change in Short Falls Efficacy Scale International (Short FES-I), a self-reported measure of fear of falling, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores after the 5-week intervention.

The estimated difference in mean FRT change (∆) between experimental and control groups was − 4.1 cm (P = 0.07) according to a linear mixed model, supporting the potential efficacy of PF for improving standing reach ability. Further, Hedge’s g value was 0.71, consistent with a moderate effect size. However, the estimated mean change in Short FES-I between groups also indicated greater fear of falling in the experimental group (∆ = − 4.5, P = 0.009, g = 1.0). In contrast, the intervention effect on FIM was negligible (∆ = 2.0, P = 0.66, g = − 0.1).

These results support the preliminary effectiveness of structured PF for improving the standing reach ability of older adults. A larger-sample RCT is warranted for validation and optimization of the structured PF protocol.

Trial registration: The University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Registered 31 May 2022 (UMIN000047647).