The role of balance and strength training in
falls prevention
A range of exercise modalities have been studied with the objective
of preventing falls, including balance exercises, strength training,
flexibility, tai chi, and endurance training. These can be used as
individual or group exercises in isolation or in combination.
A large body of evidence supports the recommendation that
balance, strength, gait, and coordination training is effective in
reducing falls, and therefore it should be included as part of a multi-
component intervention to prevent falls in older persons and may
be considered as a single intervention. In most scientific trials, the
exercise program has been longer than 12 weeks (1–3 times per
week) with variable intensity.
According to the latest meta-analysis, overall exercise reduces
fall rates in community-dwelling older people by 21%. Greater fall
prevention effects (rate reductions of 39%) are seen from exercise
programs that challenge balance and involve 3 or more hours of
weekly exercise.
In addition to increased muscle strength in older adults, strength
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