Senior Balance Exercises And Medication As A Risk Factor For Falls

Senior Balance Exercises To Combat Falls As A Result Of Medication

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.com/

Senior balance exercises are essential for older adults to complete on a daily basis, especially if they take medication for various neurological or orthopedic issues. Please see  http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now Taking medications is quite common among the older generation. Unfortunately, side effects of many medications can cause dizziness, lightheadedness and muscle weakness that subsequently leads to decreased balance and a higher risk and incidence for falling. Medical researchers have published information in the Journal of Gerontology that looked at the correlation for seniors for falls and taking medication. Their research information includes:

Background. Falls in older people are associated with poor prognosis. Medication use is a potential cause of falls. Our aim was to systemically review all original articles examining medication use as a risk factor for falls or fall-related fractures in people aged ≥60 years.

Methods. We searched English articles in Medline (1996–2004) indexed under “falls” or “accidental falls” and “pharmaceutical preparations” or specific groups of drugs. We excluded studies not meeting the age criterion, not controlled with nonusers of target medicines or nonfallers, or with no clear definition of target medication.

Results. Twenty-eight observational studies and one randomized controlled trial met the inclusion criteria. The number of participants ranged from 70 to 132,873. The outcome measure was a fall in 22 studies and a fracture in 7 studies. The main group of drugs associated with an increased risk of falling was psychotropics: benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Antiepileptics and drugs that lower blood pressure were weakly associated with falls.

Conclusions. Central nervous system drugs, especially psychotropics, seem to be associated with an increased risk of falls.

Senior Balance Exercises To Combat Falls

Senior balance exercises are the first line of defense against falling for those older adults among us. even if medications seem to produce side effects of lightheadedness or dizziness, an aging individual can practice stability exercises and use balance strategies to prevent falls and the injuries that come from falling. One important stability strategy is to focus on the sense of touch between the feet and the floor whenever the person is on their feet. By using that sensory feedback, the individual will be able to enhance their equilibrium and reduce the risk of falling. Additionally, by rehearsing balance routines every day, the older person will be able to develop strong balance reactions, ankle and leg strength and control of their body's weight shifting. To learn proper stability techniques and senior balance exercises, follow along with a program developed by a knowledgeable Physical Therapist in the Exercise For Balance DVD.

Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVD

    To get started on the best balance exercises, get the Exercise For Balance DVD. The Balance DVD is the perfect tool to use at home or in a group setting. The DVD is loaded with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like walking, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like dancing and hiking. In the Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, balance techniques and balance routines from a balance trainer (licensed Physical Therapist) who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button

For those who take medication, start balance exercises today with the Exercise For Balance DVD to improve balance and prevent falls.
For more information see http://www.mayoclinic.com/health-information/