The Effectiveness of the 3D Indoor Walking Garden Innovation Among Older People in the Chronic Disease Clinic of Si Sa Ket Hospital

Abstract

Abstract: This quasi-experimental study employed a two-group repeated measures design to evaluate the effectiveness of a 3D indoor walking garden innovation on walking ability, balancing and fall/near-fall incidents among older people with chronic diseases at Si Sa Ket Hospital's chronic disease clinic. A total of 86 participants at risk of falling were equally divided into experimental (n = 43) and control (n = 43) groups. The experimental group engaged in structured walking training using the 3D indoor walking garden during months 1-3, followed by home-based training supervised by caregivers over months 4-12, simulating the innovation environment. Training was complemented by fall prevention education grounded in Goal Attainment Theory, emphasizing collaborative goal setting and continuous monitoring. Data collection included fall risk screening forms, walking ability assessments, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) evaluations, balance tests, and fall/near-fall incident questionnaires. Results indicated that the experimental group experienced significant improvements (p < .05) in ADL scores, walking ability, balance duration, and reduced fall/near-fall incidents compared to baseline and the control group. These findings underscore the potential of the 3D indoor walking garden innovation as an effective intervention for improving walking ability and preventing falls among older adults with chronic diseases.