Citation

Granacher U, Muehlbauer T, Gschwind YJ, Pfenninger B, Kressig RW. Z. Gerontol. 2014; 47(6): 513-526.

Vernacular Title

Diagnostik und Training von Kraft und Gleichgewicht zur Sturzprävention im Alter : Empfehlungen eines interdisziplinären Expertengremiums.

Affiliation

Humanwissenschaftliche Fakultät, Exzellenzbereich Kognitionswissenschaften, Lehrstuhl für Trainings- und Bewegungswissenschaft, Universität Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, Haus 12, 14469, Potsdam, Deutschland, urs.granacher@uni-potsdam.de.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00391-013-0509-5

PMID

23912126

Abstract

The proportion of elderly people in societies of western industrialized countries is continuously rising. Biologic aging induces deficits in balance and muscle strength/power in old age, which is responsible for an increased prevalence of falls. Therefore, nationwide and easy-to-administer fall prevention programs have to be developed in order to contribute to the autonomy and quality of life in old age and to help reduce the financial burden on the public health care system due to the treatment of fall-related injuries. This narrative (qualitative) literature review deals with a) the reasons for an increased prevalence of falls in old age, b) important clinical tests for fall-risk assessment, and c) evidence-based intervention/training programs for fall prevention in old age. The findings of this literature review are based on a cost-free practice guide that is available to the public (via the internet) and that was created by an expert panel (i.e., geriatricians, exercise scientists, physiotherapists, geriatric therapists). The present review provides the scientific foundation of the practice guide.

Language: de