Approximately 30% of people over 65 years fall each year (1). However, falls prevention classes have been shown to help reduce the rate of falls (2).

Classes are most effective when:

• Supervised by a Physiotherapist.
• Include multiple component group exercise in a circuit format (3).
• Including balance training and specific strength and conditioning (4).
• Includes education about reducing falls risk (5).

The Strong and Stable class at Myphysio uses:

• Myphysio purpose built gym
• Evidence based 8 week program to reduce falls risk, improve strength and mobility
• Small class sizes to allow maximum supervision and exercise time (6).

These classes are perfect for those that:

1. Are losing confidence in the ability to maintain an independent lifestyle or
2. Suffer with chronic pain and are seeking a guided program to improve function

Classes run every Friday at 1.30pm at MyPhysio Evolution and costs just $120 for 8 weeks. Contact MyPhysio now on 1300 141 143 or info@myphysio.physio.

References

1. World Health Organisation 2009, WHO Global Report on Falls Prevention in Older Age, Ageing and Life Course, Family and Community Health
2. Lamb S, Jorstad-Stein E, Hauer K, Becker C 2005, Development of a common outcome data set for fall injury prevention trials: the Prevention of Falls Network Europe consensus, Journal of American Geriatric Society, vol. 53, no 9, pp 1618-22
3. Nitz J & Choy N 2004, The efficacy of a specific balance-strategy training programme for preventing falls among older people: a pilot randomized controlled trial, Age and Ageing, vol 33, no 1, pp 52
4. Gillespie L, Robertson M, Gillespie W, Sherrington C, Gates S, Clemson L & Lamb S 2012, Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community (review), The Cochrane Library, issue 9
5. Australian commission on safety and quality in health care 2009, Preventing Falls and Harm from Falls in Older People: Best Practice Guidelines for Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities, pp 13
6. Church J, Goodall S, Norman R, & Haas M 2011, An economic evaluation of community and residential aged care falls prevention strategies in NSW, NSW Public Health Bulletin, vol 22, no 3, pp 60