Resistance and Agility Training Reduce Fall Risk in Women Aged 75 to 85 with Low Bone Mass: A 6‐Month Randomized, Controlled Trial^*

Abstract

OBJECTIVE-To compare the effectiveness of group resistance and agility training programs in reducing fall risk in community-dwelling older women with low bone mass. DESIGN-A randomized, controlled, single-blinded 25-week prospective study with assessments at baseline, midpoint and trial completion. SETTING-Community centre.PARTICIPANTS-Community-dwelling women aged 75-85 years with low bone mass. INTERVENTION-Participantswere randomly assigned to one of three groups: Resistance Training (n=32), Agility Training (n=34), and Stretching (sham) exercises (n=32). The exercise classes for each study arm were held twice weekly. MEASUREMENTS-The primary outcome measure was fall risk (derived from weighted scores from tests of postural sway, reaction time, strength, proprioception, and vision), as measured by a physiological profile assessment (PPA). Secondary outcome measures were ankle dorsiflexion strength, foot reaction time and the Community Balance and Mobility (CB&M) Scale. CIHR Author Manuscript CIHR Author Manuscript CIHR Author ManuscriptRESULTS-Attendance at the exercise sessions for all three groups was excellent: Resistance Training (85.4%), Agility Training (87.3%) and Stretching program (78.8%). At the end of the trial, PPA fall risk scores were reduced by 57.3% and 47.5% in the Resistance and Agility training groups respectively, but by only 20.2% in the Stretching group. In both the Resistance and Agility groups, the reduction in falls risk was mediated primarily by improved postural stability, where sway was reduced by 30.6% and 29.2% respectively. There were no significant differences among the groups for the secondary outcomes measures. Within the Resistance Training group reductions in sway were significantly associated with improved strength as assessed by increased squat load used in the exercise sessions.CONCLUSION-These findings support the implementation of community-based resistance and agility training programs to reduce fall risk in older women with low bone mass. Such programs may have particular public health benefits as it has been shown that this group are at increased risk of falling as well as sustaining fall-related fractures.

A Pilot Study of Factors Associated With Falls in Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

“…Exercise, particularly resistance training, has been linked to reduction in fall risk for healthy older adults (31,32). In addition to reducing fall risk, the 1996 Report of the Surgeon General states that regular physical activity is associated with reduced risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, and colon cancer and reduces the risk of dying from heart disease, helps control weight, and reduces feelings of depression and anxiety (33).…”

The Effects of a Therapeutic Yoga Program on Postural Control, Mobility, and Gait Speed in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…Research suggests that reduction of one risk factor can reduce the overall risk of falling. 7 Researchers have shown that reducing the number of prescription medications reduces falls, 3,8 improving strength reduces falls, [10][11][12] and improving measures of gait and balance reduces falls. 13,14 In addition, group-based therapeutic exercise reduces falls in community-dwelling older adults 7,11,[15][16][17] Activities that incorporate complementary and alternative therapies are on the rise in the United States, 18,19 with nearly 40% of adults and 12% of children in the United States using some form of complementary or alternative therapy.…”

Atendimento pré - hospitalar móvel: identificando agravos à saúde da pessoa idosa Mobile pre hospital attendance: identification aggravations for the elderly person

“…[15][16] Among the consequences found as a result of the fall, are: fractured femur (62%); hip 17 (12%); 18 arms (49%) 19 and forearm (12.5%).…”