Virginia Via Research Day Book 2026

Medical Student Research Public Health

Grimaldo M.T., MS, OMS-II; Axline V.J. MS, OMS-II; Khan N. MA, OMS-II; Ni J., OMS-II; Orosz A. OMS-II; Wood C. OMS-II; Yacoub M. MS, OMS-II; Nicholson J. MAT, MPH(c); Kadio B. MD, MPH, PhD. Corresponding author: mgrimaldo@vt.vcom.edu 15 SOCISOCIAL CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AND FALL PREVENTION: A DO STUDENTS COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTION TO PROMOTE HEALTHY AGING USING FRIENDSHIP CAFES AND BINGOCIZE ®

VCOM-Virginia, Blacksburg, Virginia

years prior. A subset of the survey items allowed for comparison of pre- and post-Bingocize® responses. Responses were analyzed using paired statistical comparisons. Results: Nine former participants of Bingocize® at the Pulaski Friendship Café were evaluated. A significant shift was observed in participants’ perceptions of how their health restricted their ability to look after themselves following participation in Bingocize®. No statistically significant differences were observed regarding perceived physical energy, pain-related well-being, or ability to engage in desired activities. Given the small sample size (n = 9), larger studies may provide greater clarity regarding these findings. At follow-up, 4 of 9 participants (44%) reported falling less, and 5 of 9 participants (56%) reported being less fearful of falling. Additionally, 7 of 9 participants (78%) expressed a desire for more companionship, and 6 of 9 participants (67%) reported wanting more people with whom to enjoy life. Conclusion: Participation in the Bingocize® Fall Prevention program was associated with a significant improvement in perceived independence. Descriptive follow-up responses suggest a potential reduction

in fall-related fears and perceived falls, as well as a desire for more companionship. These findings highlight the value of further evaluating community based interventions such as Bingocize® in supporting physical and psychosocial well-being among older adults. IRB Statement: This study has been approved by the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Institutional Review Board (VCOM IRB Record #2025 081).

Context: Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in adults over 65 years old. One third of these falls require medical attention each year, and fall related mortality continues to increase.2 The rising incidence of falls, combined with limited social support, poses a serious risk to the health and well being of older adults.2 New River Valley’s Agency on Aging, an organization improving the lives of older adults, combats this need by implementing Bingocize® Fall Prevention programs within local Friendship Cafés.3 The Bingocize® Fall Prevention program integrates bingo, exercise, and education to promote physical activity and social engagement. However, the benefits of these programs are not well characterized. Objective: In partnership with the Agency on Aging, this study sought to evaluate the perceived benefits of the Bingocize® program and to better understand its potential influence on social and physical well-being among older adults in Pulaski County. Methods: Using an adapted OPQOL-35 survey, this study evaluated the impact of the Bingocize® program on social connections and aging-related perceptions among adults aged 60 years and older who participated in the program at the Pulaski Friendship Café two

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2026 Research Recognition Day