TY - JOUR
T1 - Exercise for falls management: rationale for an exercise programme aimed at reducing postural instability
AU - Skelton, Dawn A.
AU - Dinan, Susie M.
N1 - Funding Information:
The authors would like to thank the specialist teachers involved in the trial; Claire Dawson, Rachael Fisher, John Young, Tina Scovell, Tina Theophilus, and Laura Gold, also the women themselves, self-nicknamed “the fallen angels”. They would like to thank Research Into Ageing, Dunhill Medical Trust, Barnwood House Trust, and Save and Prosper Educational Trust for funding the Imperial College research trial and also the Central YMCA, Ealing YMCA, Queen Mothers Sports Centre ( Victoria) , and the Royal Free Hospital Recreation Club for their support of the research trial.
PY - 1999/1
Y1 - 1999/1
N2 - It is evident in the scientific and health promotion literature that interest in methods of reducing the risk factors associated with falls, in falls themselves, and in fall-induced injuries is increasing. However, the scientific evidence supporting the role exercise has to play in the management of elderly people who fall is inconsistent and, therefore, confusing. There have been calls for further research evidence, models of practice, guidelines on prevention, and treatment initiatives. Strategically, current guidelines are helpful but more detail is needed in order to assist practitioners to design effective exercise programmes for this vulnerable group. This paper provides a rationale for a specific, tailored, progressive programme of exercise. The programme not only incorporates all the basic fitness components seen in any well-run seniors' exercise class, but also includes specific falls management strategies, such as bone loading, gait, dynamic posture, balance, reaction and co-ordination training, together with adapted Tai Chi and functional floor activities to improve coping skills and confidence. This Falls Management Exercise Programme (FaME) is being evaluated in a controlled trial, funded by Research into Ageing and conducted at Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK.
AB - It is evident in the scientific and health promotion literature that interest in methods of reducing the risk factors associated with falls, in falls themselves, and in fall-induced injuries is increasing. However, the scientific evidence supporting the role exercise has to play in the management of elderly people who fall is inconsistent and, therefore, confusing. There have been calls for further research evidence, models of practice, guidelines on prevention, and treatment initiatives. Strategically, current guidelines are helpful but more detail is needed in order to assist practitioners to design effective exercise programmes for this vulnerable group. This paper provides a rationale for a specific, tailored, progressive programme of exercise. The programme not only incorporates all the basic fitness components seen in any well-run seniors' exercise class, but also includes specific falls management strategies, such as bone loading, gait, dynamic posture, balance, reaction and co-ordination training, together with adapted Tai Chi and functional floor activities to improve coping skills and confidence. This Falls Management Exercise Programme (FaME) is being evaluated in a controlled trial, funded by Research into Ageing and conducted at Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK.
U2 - 10.1080/095939899307801
DO - 10.1080/095939899307801
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0033024233
VL - 15
SP - 105
EP - 120
JO - Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
JF - Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
SN - 0959-3985
IS - 2
ER -