Physical exercise program for reducing the risk of falling among older adults

 
In Spain, between 15% and 32% people over 65 suffered a fall in the last year, representing a cost of more than 2 billion €. Older adults taking physical activity regularly can benefit of a proper maintenance of muscle strength and mass, which helps to retain function and independence, and to prevent falls and other injuries.
A physical exercise program composed by balance and strength training was designed with the aim of reducing the prevalence of falls and its related cost. From a total of 60 exercises conforming the program, 34 are based on the OTAGO program, with largely proven effectiveness, and 26 were designed in the frame of this research by a physiotherapist, who was responsible for the program implementation. The physical exercise program was addressed at 65+ community-dwelling older adults suffering from risk of falling. Patients from 2 healthcare centres in Valencia (Spain) participated in the study.