[Strength and coordination training for prevention of falls in the elderly]

Title[Strength and coordination training for prevention of falls in the elderly]
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1997
AuthorsOster, P, Hauer, K, Specht, N, Rost, B, Baertsch, P, Schlierf, G
JournalZ Gerontol Geriatr
Volume30
Pagination289-92
Keywords80 and over Female *Frail Elderly *Gait Geriatric Assessment Humans Male *Physical Therapy Modalities *Postural Balance Risk Factors Treatment Outcome, Accidental Falls/*prevention & control Aged Aged
Abstract

Since muscle strength and coordination training in healthy elderly people has been effective in the primary prevention, a program for geriatric patients with falls is presented. Its aim is safer walking by an increase in muscular strength and improved coordination. The exclusion criteria and the size of the training program define a group of over 75 year old patients, who will be compared with a group with light physical exercise in a randomized fashion. The first results show a remarkable increase in strength and a low complication rate. The functional relevance of our program remains to be proven.