Research
Mixed
Long-term exercise training (≥1 year) significantly reduces the risk of falls and injurious falls in older adults, with multicomponent training performed 2-3 times per week being the optimal regimen.
For older adults, engaging in moderate-intensity multicomponent exercise (aerobic, strength, and balance) 2-3 times per week for at least a year significantly reduces the risk of falls and injurious falls. This is a safe and effective intervention.
StrongSupportsHIGH confidence
Exercise significantly decreased the risk of falls (n = 20 RCTs; 4420 participants; RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.98) and injurious falls (9 RTCs; 4481 participants; RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62-0.88)... Meta-regressions on mortality and falls suggest that 2 to 3 times per week would be the optimal exercise frequency.
Why this rating
Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of 46 studies (22,709 participants) with long-term interventions.
Source
Association of Long-term Exercise Training With Risk of Falls, Fractures, Hospitalizations, and Mortality in Older Adults
Philipe de Souto Barreto et al. · JAMA Internal Medicine · 2018
Meta-analysis · 40 studiesCited 183×
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