Source: Medical News Today
The results of the Easy Steps randomised controlled trial, published online in the journal Age and Ageing, show that a self-directed walking programme designed for sedentary older people did not reduce incidence of falls, although it did increase mobility levels.
The injuries caused by falls are a leading cause of death and hospitalisation in people aged 65 or over. They also lead to poor quality of life, loss of independence, and make admission to nursing homes more likely. Exercise has been identified as a way to reduce the risk of falling, especially among adults living in the community. Although walking is the most popular form of exercise for older people, its impact on falls has been unclear.
