A Preliminary Design for a Community-Based Exercise Program for Balance Improvement and Fall Prevention

Yanan Zhao, Pak Kwong Chung

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

    Abstract

    This study was to describe a preliminary design for a 16-week community-based exercise program for balance improvement and falls prevention (ExBP) among older non-fallers who are at risk of falling. Five steps were involved in the development of this program, including 1) Identification on balance and balance-related deficits of the priority group, 2) Intervention targets and training strategies, 3) Movements’ selection and organization, 4) Modification based on expert and end-user evaluations, and 5) Exercise implementation. Balance and balance-related deficits were identified through the comparisons among a group of older nonfallers (65~74 years) with risk of falling (n = 40) and without risk of falling (n = 38). Results found significant weaknesses of participants with risk of falling in dynamic balance, postural control at the limits of stability, compensation in sensory systems (somatosensation and vestibular sensation), agility, aerobic endurance, and muscle properties. Following which, intervention foci along with the training strategies were established accordingly. The individual movements were selected and integrated with the consideration of specificity, complexity and organization, safety, feasibility, and gracefulness, and the transfer of exercise learning theory. Movement modifications were made according to expert and end-user evaluations. Implementation process was
    listed with detailed suggestions. This exercise program is regarded to be effective and feasible for the older nonfallers, who are at risk of falling, to perform in daily life. Further modification and adjustment on this exercise program should be made based on its effectiveness on balance improvement and fall prevention.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)5-14
    Number of pages10
    JournalInternational Journal of Sports and Physical Education
    Volume1
    Issue number2
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2015

    User-Defined Keywords

    • Older adults
    • Non-fallers
    • Risk of falling

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