Author Identifier (ORCID)
Stacey Scott: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8870-2178
Abstract
Backgrounds: Falls affect a significant number of older Australians and present a major challenge to health care providers and health systems with over 380 older Australians hospitalised for a fall each day.
Objectives: This statement seeks to inform and guide exercise practitioners and health professionals in safe and effective prescription of exercise to prevent falls amongst community-dwelling older people.
Exercise prescription to prevent falls: Exercise is crucial for preventing falls in older age. Research evidence has identified that programmes which include functional balance and muscle strength training are the most effective in preventing falls. It is also important for exercise to be progressively challenging, ongoing and of sufficient dose to maximise its benefits in reducing falls. Additional (non-exercise) interventions are necessary for people with complex medical conditions, recent hospitalisation and/or particular risk factors not improved by exercise. People at a higher risk of falls may need greater support to undertake safe and effective fall prevention exercise.
Summary: Global guidelines for fall prevention and management recommend that all older adults should receive advice about exercise to prevent falls. Qualified exercise professionals are well placed to prescribe and supervise functional balance and muscle strength training to older people with varied functional abilities, including those with co-morbidities.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
2025
Publication Title
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
75990
Funders
National Health and Medical Research Council
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Tiedemann, A., Sturnieks, D. L., Burton, E., Thom, J. M., Lord, S. R., Scott, S., & Sherrington, C. (2025). Exercise and sports science Australia updated position statement on exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 28(2), 87-94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2024.09.003