[Fall risk and fracture. Exercise for fall prevention in the elderly]

Clin Calcium. 2013 May;23(5):719-29.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

On the basis of evidence obtained in previous studies, this paper outlines effective music therapy programs for group instructions and the basic contents of exercise and training that the elderly are able to do at home by themselves in their daily lives to reduce the risk of falls. The contents of effective exercise and training are to take a series of steps as quickly as possible, back and forth and to the right and left, in a standing position in combination with vertical movement in large amplitude for center of gravity. Furthermore, simple movements such as obeying an order of "right face", as well as dynamic movements that mostly involve higher brain functions such as instant thinking and judgment, are more effective. It should be noted that it is not sufficient for instructors to merely demand that the elderly do effective exercise. To prevent falls by the participants and to also obtain comprehensive effects such as satisfaction, amusement, and quality of life (QOL) , it is important to pay appropriate attention to parts other than the narrowly-defined evidence elements, such as modifications to maintain compliance and consideration of people with locomotive syndrome.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Accidents, Home / prevention & control*
  • Aged
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Fractures, Bone / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Risk Factors