Exercise is a fall prevention intervention because impaired muscle strength and poor postural control are known to increase the risk of falling and are amendable to change with exercise. The programs involve exercises targeting gait, balance, functional tasks, strength, flexibility and endurance.
Evidence shows us that home-based exercise programs containing some form of balance and strength training are the most important intervention strategy to effectively decrease falls.
Strength and balance retraining is the most long-term, effective fall prevention measure that has cardiovascular, metabolic, and self-confidence benefits in addition to greater stability. Research has shown that falls can be prevented by retraining your balance and improving your muscular strength, endurance and flexibility.
Physiotherapy helps you maintain your vital independence with the implementation of individual, class and home exercise programs for balance, strength and falls prevention.
Tailored exercise programs, such as those set out for you by a Physiotherapist, have been shown to be more effective than general programs at helping people regain good balance. Gentle strengthening, mobility and balance exercises with our Physiotherapists will help you maintain your independence and confidence.
It is never too late to start exercising, if you or a member of your family are concerned with your safety and balance, we would love the opportunity to assist you.
References
World Health Organisation. WHO Global Report on Falls Prevention in Older Age. Geneva: World Health Organisation; 2007. http://www.who.int/ageing/publications/Falls_prevention7March.pdf?
Fried LP, Tangen CM, Walston J, et al. Frailty in older adults: evidence for a phenotype. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2001;56(3):M146-56.