[A review of exercise interventions for fall prevention in the elderly].
OBJECTIVE
This study was done to suggest directions for developing exercise interventions for fall prevention in the elderly in Korea in the future.


METHODS
Twenty five articles for fall prevention exercises were reviewed and analyzed.


RESULTS
84.0% of subjects were older adults age 65 and older living in the community. The most frequently performed interventions were lower limb strength and balance exercises together 43.3%, group exercise 70.0%, exercise 3 times/week 60.0%, 60 min per session 36.7%, duration of 12 weeks and 1 year 23.3% each. The most frequently used outcome variables were static balance 84.0%, lower limb muscle strength 72.0%, dynamic balance 56.0 %, and falls 56.0 %. The effect of exercise interventions on fall prevention was inconclusive. Lower limb strength exercises with resistance were effective for increasing muscle strength. Balance exercises with various movements for balance were effective for increasing balance.


CONCLUSIONS
Exercise interventions for fall prevention is recommended for older adults with risk factors of falling. The desirable type of exercise intervention is lower limb strength and balance exercise together.
Gu
Mee Ock
MO
Department of Nursing, Gyeong Sang National University, Gerontological Health Research Center, Gyeongsang Institute of Health Science, Korea. mogu@nongae.gsnu.ac.kr
Jeon
Mi Yang
MY
Kim
Hee-Ja
HJ
Eun
Young
Y
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance