High level balance challenge is key!
Balance training is a crucial element, along with lower limb strength, in preventing falls (Sherrington 2020; Sherrington 2017).
The more time an older person can incorporate exercise and physical activity into their daily and weekly routines – the better the outcomes of reducing risk of falls and improved functional capacity
BUT once start exercising – can be difficult to sustain.
We need to provide choice and strategies to maximise adoption and to sustain engagement in beneficial exercise.
Only 10% of older people do any form of strength training, and even less balance.
One answer: the Lifestyle-functional exercise program to reduce falls
References:
Sherrington et al. Br J Sports Med. 2017 51(24):1750-1758. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096547
Sherrington et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Jan 31;1(1):CD012424. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD012424.pub2.
Sherrington et al. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2020 Nov 26;17(1):144. doi: 10.1186/s12966-020-01041-3.