Specialization
In Balance and Otago
Fall Prevention
Stand firm!
These exercise programs focus on fall prevention for home-dwelling seniors aged 65 and older with an increased risk of falling. The program is especially suitable for older people who are already somewhat frail. During this program, seniors work with a physical therapist, exercise therapist or MBvO instructor on leg muscle strengthening exercises, balance exercises and a walking schedule. They do this individually at home, or in a group at practice.
Stable and secure!
The program
In Balance consists of information sessions and an exercise program. It is group training and lasts for 14 weeks. The program consists of:
- An information session (1.5 hours)
- Three course meetings (once a week, 2 hours per meeting)
- Ten-week training sessions (1-hour training twice a week).
- two 1-hour post-workout functional tests, once at the beginning and once at the end of the program
The course meetings consist of helpful exercises, tests and information about exercise, balance and fall risk. The training sessions consist of exercises based on tai chi and focus on improving fitness, balance and muscle strength.
In Balance was developed based on knowledge from scientific research on effective fall prevention. For example, we know that exercise programs that focus on improving balance, muscle strength and mobility work best to reduce the risk of falls. Research shows that after taking the In Balance course, seniors are 61% less likely to fall and their fear of falling decreases by 37%.
To achieve this effectiveness, it is important to implement In Balance with the following active elements:
- In Balance combines balance exercises and functional training with strength and Tai Chi
- Participants of In Balans train 2x 1 hour together and also do homework exercises to reach the desired load (so in total there is at least 3 hours of training)
- After the 13-week intervention, exercise is continued to maintain effects
