Community-Based Fall Prevention and Exercise Programs for Older Adults

Effectiveness of Olympic Combat Sports on Balance, Fall Risk or Falls in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

“…On the other hand, the results of our systematic review are aligned with previous systematic reviews that have reported some improvements and the maintenance of balance in adults who practice hard martial arts [ 20 ] and significant improvements ( p = 0.017) in lower limb strength measured through the chair stand test in older adults in the intervention with OCS group compared to control groups without PA [ 19 ]. Muscle strength is a physical quality that has been linked to a more outstanding balance and lower fall risk in aging [ 4 , 11 ], which is considered a basic element in programs focused on fall prevention in older adults [ 10 , 14 ]. Therefore, it is essential to promote PA among older adults, which focuses on the strengthening of the large muscle groups, cardiorespiratory fitness, and balance [ 15 ], since an adverse effect has been seen in balance that ranges from 14.9% to 21.9% in groups without PA [ 10 ] and a decrease in falls (31–35%) in older adults participating in community PA programs compared to passive control groups [ 14 ].…”

“…Muscle strength is a physical quality that has been linked to a more outstanding balance and lower fall risk in aging [ 4 , 11 ], which is considered a basic element in programs focused on fall prevention in older adults [ 10 , 14 ]. Therefore, it is essential to promote PA among older adults, which focuses on the strengthening of the large muscle groups, cardiorespiratory fitness, and balance [ 15 ], since an adverse effect has been seen in balance that ranges from 14.9% to 21.9% in groups without PA [ 10 ] and a decrease in falls (31–35%) in older adults participating in community PA programs compared to passive control groups [ 14 ]. In this sense, OCS may improve older adults’ well-being and general health status [ 19 ], muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and balance.…”

“…In addition, the regular practice of PA has achieved greater diffusion in recent years as a strategy for fall prevention and improving or maintaining the general health of older adults living in the community [ 13 , 14 ] or participating in government programs [ 15 ], which contributes to an active and healthy lifestyle. The strategies to promote active and healthy aging need to be reassessed due to the COVID-19 pandemic to promote the safe practice of PA among older adults, considering, among other measures, practicing social distancing [ 16 , 17 ] or training at home [ 18 ].…”

A Process Evaluation of a Fall Prevention Intervention Using the RE-AIM Framework

“…One reason for this could be because HARP takes place in the home. It does not require travel by the older adult to any other location, unlike many other fall prevention programs (Klima et al, 2021; Li et al, 2016). Another reason could be the flexibility in the number and length of visits and that the visits occur over a short timeframe.…”