Reducing fall risk
August 10, 2012
INCORPORATING balance and
strength training into everyday
routines could cut the risk of falls in
older Australians by nearly one
third, according to new research
from the University of Sydney.
The study, published in the British
Medical Journal and authored by
researchers at the University’s
Faculty of Health Sciences,
recruited 317 men and women over
the age of 70 living in the
community who had experienced
two or more falls, or one injurious
fall, in the past year.
The group was split into a
LiFE group who had balance and
lower limb strength training
incorporated into their daily
routines (such as climbing stairs,
stepping over objects, and moving
from sitting to standing); and a
control group who performed a
structured exercise program three
times a week using ankle cuff
weights.
The two groups were then asked
to record any falls over twelve
months using daily calendars, and
also had their static and dynamic
balance, ankle, knee and hip
strength, daily living activities, and
quality of life measured using
recognised scales.
According to the results of the
exercise programs, those in the LiFE
group experienced a significant 31
percent reduction in the rate of
falls compared with participants in
the control group.
LiFE participants also showed
improvements in both static and
dynamic balance, ankle strength,
and in function and participation in
daily life.
“The LiFE program provides an
alternative for older people at risk
of falls to traditional exercise
programs, and it could work better
for many people,” said Professor
Lindy Clemson, lead author of the
study.
“LiFE gives participants more
energy to do tasks, improves
function during activities and
enhances participation in daily life.
“In a modern world that
increasingly relies on automation
and doing less, the LiFE program
offers some much-needed
challenge and complexity,”
Professor Clemson added.
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