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This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive and behavioral interventions for improving fall-related psychological concerns. A systematic search yielded eight randomized controlled trials eligible for inclusion. All studies compared a cognitive and behavioral intervention with a control. The meta-analysis showed that cognitive and behavioral treatments had beneficial effects on fear of falling outcomes (lower score better) immediately after treatment (random-effects standardized mean difference [SMD]: −0.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−0.50, −0.10]) and at the longer term follow-up (random-effects SMD: −0.29, 95% CI [−0.49, −0.09]). Cognitive and behavioral treatments also showed a positive effect on falls efficacy outcomes (higher score better) immediately after treatment (fixed-effects SMD: 0.19, 95% CI [0.04, 0.34]) and over the longer term (fixed-effects SMD: 0.13, 95% CI [−0.00, 0.25]). However, the clinical significance of these effects on fear of falling and falls efficacy was unclear. Further work is required with best-practice comparators over a longer follow-up period.
Papadimitriou is with Health & Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore, Singapore. Perry is with National Guideline Centre, Royal College of Physicians, London, United Kingdom.