title: Taking balance training for older adults one step further: the rationale for and a description of a proven balance training programme.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To give the rationale and evidence for and a detailed description of a rehabilitation programme of proven effectiveness in improving balance in older adults.
  Based on the knowledge that balance loss usually occurs in situations when attention is divided, especially when being older, and that balance control relies on the interaction of several physiological systems, we have developed a specific and progressive balance training programme with dual- and multi-task exercises for older adults.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Balance demanding exercises, specific to the various components of balance control and to situations in daily life, were performed in sitting, standing and walking at three different levels of progression (basic, moderate and advanced) of increasing difficulty and complexity. The training was performed in 45-minutes group sessions, with 6-10 participants in each group, three times per week during 12 weeks, with two or three physiotherapists present.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This balance training programme strengthens self-efficacy in balance control leading to improved fall-related self-efficacy, reduced fear of falling, increased walking speed, and improved physical function. Participants found the programme motivating, valuable, fun, and enjoyable, which was reflected in a high attendance rate.
authors.affiliation: Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Sweden Department of Physical Therapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden alexandra.halvarsson@ki.se.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Halvarsson
authors.affiliation: Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Sweden.
authors.forename: Ing-Mari
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Dohrn
authors.affiliation: Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Sweden Department of Physical Therapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden.
authors.forename: Agneta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ståhle
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005239:Fear; D006801:Humans; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Balance; exercise; older adults; training programme