In Older People, Exercise Reduces Falls

“Exercise programmes are an effective option for preventing falls among older people living in the community. There is less evidence at present for the effectiveness of other interventions, such as home safety improvements and vitamin D supplements, according to Cochrane Researchers who carried out a systematic review of the available evidence. Exercise may help to prevent falls by improving strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. ‘Programmes that contain a combination of these components reduce falls. These include exercising in supervised groups, participating in Tai Chi, and carrying out individually prescribed exercise programmes at home,’ says lead researcher Lesley Gillespie, who is based at Dunedin School of Medicine at the University of Otago in New Zealand. ‘What remains less clear is whether some other interventions really do reduce falls. Some may be of more benefit to those at higher risk of falling. There also seem to be differences in the effectiveness of some kinds of interventions when carried out in different health care settings.’”

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146073.php