Balance Training and Fall Prevention for Seniors

Age-related muscular weakness, inflexibility, and motor control impairment all contribute to falling as we age. Research has demonstrated that a high level of physical fitness provides an effective strategy to prevent falling. This course provides fitness professionals with information that will enable them to design the safest and most effective exercise programs for their aging clients. The prevalence and prevention of falls in the aging population also will be discussed.

Course Objectives

• Discuss the rate and prevalence of fall-related injuries reported in the United States.
• Define balance and discuss the postural strategies humans use to maintain static and dynamic postural control.
• List the balance-related sensory systems and describe how they each contribute to stabilization and postural control.
• Define human locomotion and discuss the age-related changes associated with gait commonly observed in older adults.
• Identify major factors that contribute to falls in older adults.
• Discuss the benefits of exercise as they relate to fall prevention and postural control.
• List strategies used in a comprehensive fall-prevention program.