BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Fall is one of the serious health issues for the elderly population. The co-morbidities arise from falls cause a reduction in mobility in these population. The effect of a tailored exercise program for the elderly living in geriatric homes in an Indian setup are least studied. METHODS: Participants were selected from 4 different geriatric homes in India. A total of 163 individuals, 60 to 95 of age, were divided into 2 groups. The experimental group received a structured supervised exercise program for 5 days followed by home based program at their geriatric homes. Both groups received awareness regarding falls and its prevention. The primary outcome measure was the number of falls and the secondary measures included Long Term Care Fall Risk Assessment (LTCFRA), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). Outcome measures were assessed prior to the study and after 3 months of follow up. RESULTS: The study identified a mean reduction of 0.45 +/- 1.15 and 0.15 +/- 1.01 in the number of falls in experimental and control groups respectively. There was a significant improvement in BBS and DGI scores in the experimental group (p = 0.000) but the control group failed to show an improvement. There was a significant increase in LTCFRA tool in control group showing an increase in the risk factors of fall. CONCLUSION: Early intervention with structured exercise program in elderly individuals may reduce incidence of falls and factors associated with risk of falls. This may reduce the fear of falls and also the financial and physical burden of caregivers arising out of co-morbidities of falls.

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