Practical implementation of an exercise-based falls prevention programme

Muscle weakness and impaired balance are risk factors underlying many falls and fall injuries experienced by older people. Fall prevention strategies have included exercise programmes that lower the risk of falling by improving strength and balance. We have developed an individually tailored, home-based, strength and balance retraining programme, which has proven successful in reducing falls and moderate fall injuries in people aged 80 years and older. Here we describe a simple assessment of strength and balance and the content and delivery of a falls prevention exercise programme.