Effect of physical exercise programs on falls in older people: systematic review of randomized clinical trials

Identifier:  TFM:529

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFM529

Authors:  Canela Llauradó, Blanca

Abstract:
Introduction: Falls and sarcopenia are one of the main causes of disability in older people, causing an alteration in the quality of life. Regular physical activity is one of the main recommendations in the geriatric population to prevent and act against problems of this type. Objectives: To carry out a systematic review of randomized controlled intervention studies to assess whether the current scientific evidence supports the beneficial effects of physical activity programs in the elderly population in improving sarcopenia and reducing the risk of falls. Material and methods: Studies published from 2010 to 2020 in the PubMed, Cochrane and PEDro databases with subjects over 60 years of age and interventions with results in physical performance, anthropometric parameters and risk of falls were selected. Results: The systematic review included 9 studies with a total of 1806 participants. Risk and number of falls variables were assessed in 6 studies, physical performance in 9 studies, including strength and endurance, gait speed and balance, and body composition in 4 studies, including body mass index (BMI) and lean body mass (LBM). Conclusions: Carrying out a physical exercise program of a minimum of 2-3 weekly sessions for 3 months in older people has positive effects on the physical state of this population, increasing physical performance and all that this includes, as well as improving body composition. To obtain benefits on the risk and number of falls, the program must be maintained for a minimum of 6 months; delaying with all this the appearance of sarcopenia.