Recommendations on Physical Exercise and Fall Prevention in Older Community-Dwelling Adults

Falls in older age are the most important risk factor for fractures. Epidemiological studies have identified numerous risk factors for falls, many of which are modifiable through structured physical training. This article describes the evidence on content and methods of physical training for preventing falls. It also addresses the dosing of exercise and the potential of such training for reducing the impact of falls.Current results show high evidence that multimodal programs, balance and functional exercises, and Tai Chi are effective in preventing falls compared to inactive control groups. In particular, the role of challenging balance training is crucial. Newer training contents/method variations are also effective, including stepping programs and perturbation training. The latter seems to have notable effects in shorter periods. While some interventions must be supervised, effective individual home training programs also exist. Except for perturbation training, programs should be conducted three times a week for at least three months. A potentially periodized, permanent training ensures long-lasting effects. There is insufficient evidence to recommend isolated resistance, endurance, or flexibility training as well as aquatic exercise, dancing, and interactive cognitive-motor interventions as effective training in fall prevention. They are however, largely effective in influencing fall risk factors or facilitating an entry into training.There is very limited evidence of the fall process being influenced by exercise. In healthy older adults, falling, catching, rolling techniques and stepping are suitable for reducing the impact of self-induced falls. In this regard, there are no data on real-life fall-related injuries.