OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to formulate evidence-based recommendations for exercises aimed at improving lower limb muscle strength and balance, so as to prevent falls among the elderly living in the community. METHOD: The literature from 1980 to 31 March 2005 was searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of the effect of exercise programmes on risk factors for falls. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by means of the Physiotherapy Evidence database (PEDro) score. Data synthesis was used to summarize findings. RESULTS: Of 608 RCTs retrieved, 12 involving 1,128 elderly individuals were included in this study. Two studies included elderly people living in residential care homes and ten studies included elderly people living in the community. Two studies showed exercise programmes to produce a significant improvement in muscle strength and balance, seven studies a significant improvement in balance, and three studies a significant improvement in muscle strength. Large fitness equipment (n = 2) and small practice materials (n = 3) were used to train muscle strength, and functional exercises (n = 8), Tal Chi (n = 2), and a treadmill with obstacles (n = 1) were used to train balance. The exercise programmes were supervised by a physiotherapist (n = 3), an accredited exercise instructor (n = 1), or physiotherapy students (n = seven studies did not mention who supervised the exercise programmes. CONCLUSION: Supervised exercise with small practice items significantly improves lower limb muscle strength and functional exercises improve balance in elderly individuals at risk of falling. These forms of exercise are therefore recommended for secondary fall prevention and can be carried out in the home environment of elderly individuals with a high risk of falling.

There are no links to full text for this record.