A simple protocol for preventing falls and fractures in elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disease

• DOI: 10.1007/s00198-006-0288-6
• Publication Date: 2007-01-08T08:57:08Z
• Authors: K. Kita; K. Hujino; T. Nasu; K. Kawahara; Y. Sunami
• Keywords: Fall prevention; Regimen; Hip Fracture

Our protocol resulted in a significant prevention of falls and fractures in addition to marked improvements in the balance function. Intervention comprised a new balance exercise and quadriceps femoris exercise. Subjects were outpatients aged >or=65 years old with musculoskeletal disorders who had a result of or=65 years old and had a result of <or=15 s for the timed one-leg balance test with eyes open. Intervention consisted of a new balance exercise and quadriceps femoris exercise regimen. The main outcome was fall rate, while secondary outcomes were the results of the timed one-leg balance test with eyes open and fracture rate.Fall rate was decreased by 44% (p < 0.001) and fracture rate by 47% (p < 0.05) by 8 months after the start of the intervention. The results of the timed one-leg balance testing with eyes open improved two- to threefold after intervention (p < 0.01).Our protocol has been safely implemented at a large number of clinics in Japan, and the reductions in frequency of falls and fractures suggest that it provides effective preventive care.