ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Wellness program participation may reduce the risk of falling, emergency department-use, and hospitalization among older adults. "On the Move" (OTM), a community-based group exercise program focused on the timing and coordination of walking, improved mobility in older adults, but its impact on falls, emergency department-use, and hospitalizations remains unclear. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the potential long-term effects that OTM may have on downstream, tertiary outcomes. METHODS:We conducted a secondary analysis of a cluster-randomized, single-blind intervention trial, which compared two community-based, group exercise programs: OTM and a seated exercise program on strength, endurance, and flexibility (i.e. 'usual-care'). Program classes met for 50?min/session, 2 sessions/week, for 12?weeks. Older adults (?65?years), with the ability to ambulate independently at ?0.60?m/s were recruited. Self-reported incidence of falls, emergency department visitation, and hospitalization were assessed using automated monthly phone calls for the year following intervention completion. Participants with ?1 completed phone call were included in the analyses. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated (reference?=?usual-care). RESULTS:Participants (n?=?248) were similar on baseline characteristics and number of monthly phone calls completed. Participants in the seated exercise program attended an average of 2.9 more classes (p?=?.017). Of note, all results were not statistically significant (i.e. 95% CI overlapped a null value of 1.0). However, point estimates suggest OTM participation resulted in a decreased incidence rate of hospitalization compared to usual-care (IRR?=?0.88; 95% CI?=?0.59-1.32), and the estimates strengthened when controlling for between-group differences in attendance (adjusted IRR?=?0.82; 95% CI?=?0.56-1.21). Falls and emergency department visit incidence rates were initially greater for OTM participants, but decreased after controlling for attendance (adjusted IRR?=?1.08; 95% CI?=?0.72-1.62 and adjusted IRR?=?0.96; 95% CI?=?0.55-1.66, respectively). CONCLUSION:Compared to a community-based seated group exercise program, participation in OTM may result in a reduced risk of hospitalization. When OTM is adhered to, the risk for falling and hospitalizations are attenuated. However, definitive conclusions cannot be made. Nevertheless, it appears that a larger randomized trial, designed to specifically evaluate the impact of OTM on these downstream health outcomes is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION:Clinical trials.gov (NCT01986647; prospectively registered on November 18, 2013).