The Role of Training and Physical Exercise in Reducing the Risk of Falls in Older Adults — A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.70.74371Keywords
older adults, falls, fall prevention, physical exercise, balance training, strength trainingAbstract
Background: Falls among older adults constitute a significant public health problem because they are associated with reduced independence, impaired functional capacity, and an increased risk of subsequent health problems.
Aim: The aim of this study was to discuss the role of training and physical exercise in reducing the risk of falls among older adults and to identify the forms of activity with the greatest practical relevance.
Materials and methods: This study is a literature review incorporating elements of narrative synthesis. Publications available in PubMed and Google Scholar, from 2015–2026, were analysed, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomised clinical trials, and intervention studies concerning exercise used in fall prevention.
Results: The most consistent evidence indicates beneficial effects of regular, progressive, and individually tailored programmes combining balance, functional, and strengthening exercises. Such interventions improve static and dynamic balance, lower-limb muscle strength, functional mobility, postural control, gait, and fall-prevention self-efficacy. Tai Chi, the Otago programme, and selected multicomponent programmes are of particular relevance in preventive practice, whereas Pilates, exergames, vibration training, and mHealth solutions primarily improve selected intermediate risk factors.
Conclusions: Physical exercise should constitute an important component of fall prevention among older adults. When interpreting the findings, improvements in risk factors should be distinguished from a direct reduction in fall incidence. Programmes should be safe, systematic, and adapted to the participant’s level of physical function.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Julia Gatniejewska, Katarzyna Pagacz, Olga Kowalczyk, Bożena Kiełbasa, Wiktoria Kolasa, Aleksandra Stadnik,, Monika Lis, Maria Jędryka , Marta Kaczorek
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