Fysioterapeuten (Nov 2020)
The effects of combined exercise for preventing falls in elderly: a literature study
Abstract
Objective: To explore what kind of combined exercise that are most effective for preventing falls in elderly, with the focus of assessing whether updated research evidence is in accordance with the implementation of «Sterk og stødig», a practical fall prevention program in the Norwegian municipalities. their approach towards patients with traumatic life experiences and complex symptoms. Research question: «What kind of combined exercise is most effective for preventing falls in elderly?» Method: The study was conducted as a literature study. A systematic search was administered in the database Medline (EBSCOhost), wherein five articles were included and assessed. Results: Overall, preventive exercise showed unclear effects on incidence of falls in elderly. Findings indicate that balance- and strength training are key components that should be included in fall prevention programs. However, one of the most important aspects for understanding the effects may be the total workload, herein including the interaction between intensity, frequency, and duration in this type of exercise. Conclusion: Based on available up-to-date research evidence, it is difficult to conclude what kind of specific combination of exercise that are most effective. Nevertheless, elements such as balance- and strength training combined with an adequate total workload seems to have the best effect in connection to prevention of falls. Hence, updated research evidence was in accordance with the implementation of «Sterk og stødig», which focuses on both strength- and balance training and other activities that increases the total workload, and thus should be considered an important preventive intervention from a public health perspective.
