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NoFalls Exercise Program
Program of fall reduction exercises for older people
Background
In late 1990's, Monash University Accident Research Centre conducted
the No Falls program in collaboration with the City of Whitehorse. This was a randomised controlled
trial testing the effectiveness of a number of falls prevention
interventions for older people. One of the findings of this study was that
one intervention in particular, the NoFalls Exercise Program, produced
significant reductions in falls risks.
(Day,
L., Fildes, B., Gordon, I., Fitzharris, M., Flamer, H. & Lord, S.
(2002) 'Randomised factorial trial of falls prevention among older people
living in their own homes', British Medical Journal (BMJ), 325 (7356),
July 20, 2002, pp128-131) (www.bmj.com)
NoFalls is a 15-week group exercise program, with a strong focus on
balance enhancement. Studies have shown that balance can be improved
through challenging the balance systems, practicing balance strategies and
improving strength and flexibility.
The NoFalls exercises emphasise:
- Muscle extensibility, and to a lesser extent, joint flexibility
- Strength of muscles critical for posture and balance
- Proprioception
- Visual and vestibular stimulation
- Reaction time
- Relearning the elements of a balance task
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