The feasibility and effectiveness of translating a matter of balance into a volunteer lay leader model

The purpose of this study is to examine whether A Matter of Balance, a cognitive-behavioral program previously found to be efficacious in a randomized clinical trial (RCT), could be translated into a community-based volunteer lay leader model and achieve outcomes comparable to those found in the RCT. A repeated measures, single-group design is employed. Participants experience significant increases in falls efficacy, falls management, and falls control at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months, thus achieving comparable outcomes with those of participants in the RCT. This successful translation of a professionally led health promotion program into a volunteer lay leader model enables embedding the program in community-based organizations, thus making it more broadly available to older adults in diverse settings. The findings also suggest that other evidence-based programs currently requiring professional staff can be adapted for facilitation by volunteers.