BEST at home: a pilot evaluation of a home-based strength and balance exercise program.

Issue Addressed: Home-based exercise with home visits has been shown to improve strength and balance and reduce falls in older people. This pilot study aimed to determine whether a home-based exercise program (delivered via workshops instead of home visits) improved strength and balance and reduced falls in adults aged 60 years and over.

Methods: Participants attended two workshops over a six-month period and were instructed in the exercises by physiotherapists.

A qualitative study about smoking cessation with clients of community service organisations that work with disadvantaged families.

Issue Addressed: To determine whether clients of community service organisations (CSOs) that work with disadvantaged families consider the organisation to be a suitable avenue for the delivery of smoking cessation assistance, and to explore clients' knowledge and attitudes on smoking, and barriers to quitting.

Methods: Seven focus groups were undertaken with clients from CSOs that work with disadvantaged families. Participants were asked questions on effects of smoking on health, barriers to quitting smoking and whether CSOs could provide smoking cessation support.

Open-label, randomised, parallel-group, multicentre study to evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of an AS03(B)/oil-in-water emulsion-adjuvanted (AS03(B)) split-virion versus non-adjuvanted whole-virion H1N1 influenza vaccine in UK children 6 months to 12 years of age.

Objective: To evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of an AS03(B)/oil-in-water emulsion-adjuvanted (AS03(B)) split-virion versus non-adjuvanted whole-virion H1N1 influenza vaccine in UK children aged 6 months to 12 years.

Design: Multicentre, randomised, head-to-head, open-label trial.

Setting: Five UK sites (Oxford, Bristol, Southampton, Exeter and London).

Safety and immunogenicity of AS03B adjuvanted split virion versus non-adjuvanted whole virion H1N1 influenza vaccine in UK children aged 6 months-12 years: open label, randomised, parallel group, multicentre study.

Objectives: To compare the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of an adjuvanted split virion H1N1 vaccine and a non-adjuvanted whole virion vaccine used in the pandemic immunisation programme in the United Kingdom.

Design: Open label, randomised, parallel group, phase II study.

Setting: Five UK centres (Oxford, Southampton, Bristol, Exeter, and London).

Improving children's physical activity in out-of-school hours care settings.

Issues Addressed: Improving children's opportunities for and participation in physical activity at out-of-school hours (OOSH) care.

Methods: A needs assessment, 12-month implementation and evaluation were conducted. Strategies included feedback and support to improve physical activity programs and policies; staff training; resource distribution; and grants to disadvantaged services.