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Lifeball Evaluation Trial
Background
Participation in regular physical activity is beneficial for older people. As well as physiological and psychological benefits, it has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
Appropriate physical activity also contributes to improving the self-management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. It has been shown to have a protective effect against falls injuries through building muscle strength, balance, flexibility and fitness. Since falls injuries are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation and death in people aged over 65, this is also a high priority for health promotion programs for older people.
The psychological benefits of participation in physical activity groups include improvements in socialisation and social confidence. In turn, improvement in quality of life often results in increased confidence in carrying out everyday activities and feelings of control over one’s own health and well-being.
Lifeball groups have been formed in small numbers in several areas across NSW. To date, however, there has been no formal implementation of the program on a wider scale, nor has there been a thorough evaluation to fully explore the health and quality of life benefits for Lifeball participants.
Aims and objectives
The aim of the project is to evaluate the implementation of Lifeball groups in four participating Area Health Services (Hunter, Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Greater Murray) to determine:
- Feasibility and acceptability of Lifeball to veterans and related organisations.
- Potential of Lifeball for positive outcomes related to the health, well-being and quality of life of participants.
Implementation
In partnership with NSW Health, the evaluation of Lifeball will involve all people in each of the four participating Area Health Services (Hunter, Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Greater Murray) that agree to participate in the evaluation project on the day they register to join LifeBall (play their first game). The contact details of those who consent to participate in the evaluation will be forwarded to the evaluation project team based at Hunter Population Health.
Evaluation participants will be asked to complete a telephone survey on two occasions:
- 1 week (approximately) after registering for Lifeball and playing their first game (baseline).
- 12 months (approximately) after completing the first survey (12 month follow-up).
Grant funding for the evaluation of Lifeball was received from NSW Health Injury Prevention Policy Branch and was conducted in partnership with Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Greater Murray Area Health Services.
Progress
Lifeball groups have been established in the following Hunter New England locations: Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock, Warners Bay, Charlestown, Belmont, Windale, Nelson Bay, Tilligerry, Rutherford, Tomaree Peninsula, Tamworth, Armidale and Gunnedah.
For more information about this service, please contact HNEPH.
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