Falls are the leading cause of injury-related morbidity in older adults, and lower-limb strength is one of the strongest modifiable predictors of fall risk.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found resistance exercise improved balance ability across a range of static and dynamic measures. Broader reviews of exercise for fall prevention report meaningful reductions in fall risk when programs include a strength component.
Supervision appears to matter: a meta-analysis directly comparing supervised and unsupervised training in older adults found supervised programs produced superior balance and strength outcomes.
Protecting muscle mass during periods of enforced inactivity is the corollary problem — bed rest studies show rapid decline in older adults, which is why maintaining a baseline of strength before hospitalization or surgery is clinically consequential.
A review of the exercise interventions shown to reduce fall risk in older adults, concluding that programs incorporating progressive strength and balance components produce the most consistent reductions in fall incidence.
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials finding that resistance exercise improves static and dynamic balance measures, independent of dedicated balance training.
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