Group exercise classes given at local
community centers can help older adults improve their
balance -- which could translate into fewer falls and
injuries, according to researchers.
Previous studies have shown that exercise programs aimed
at improving older adults' balance and agility may help
them avoid falls. But the question has been whether classes
offered in the community can match the results of programs
given in a controlled research setting.
The new study, published in the American Journal of Public
Health, found that group classes given in community centers,
along with home exercises, did indeed help older adults
improve their balance and stability.
Though the study did not assess fall risk, it's "reasonable
to anticipate" that the balance improvements could help
prevent falls, the study authors conclude.
Dr. Yvonne Robitaille of the National Public Health Institute
of Quebec, in Canada, led the research.
The study included 177 older adults who underwent balance
tests at the outset and again three months later. In the
interim, about half of the men and women attended exercises
classes at one of 10 community centers for older adults.
The classes focused on balance training, which included
strength conditioning for the legs and exercises based
on the Chinese martial art Tai chi. Participants were
also given exercises they could do at home.
After three months, men and women who took the classes
showed small gains in balance and mobility, compared with
their peers who did not take the classes.
While older adults are generally encouraged to stay active
-- through both cardiovascular exercise, like walking,
and strength conditioning -- exercises that target balance
may be overlooked. But a growing number of studies suggest
that activities aimed at balance and agility, along with
strengthening exercises, are the best way to lower older
adults' risk of falls.
The current findings, according to Robitaille and her
colleagues, show that the programs used in these studies
can be successfully moved into the "real world."
SOURCE: American Journal of Public Health, November 2005.
Reference
Source 89
November
10, 2005
