Life

Tablet computer app designed to help reduce risk of falls in older people

Participants in the app trial were asked to exercise for two hours a week for two years, with the level of the challenges increasing
Participants in the app trial were asked to exercise for two hours a week for two years, with the level of the challenges increasing Participants in the app trial were asked to exercise for two hours a week for two years, with the level of the challenges increasing

AN APP-based exercise programme has been developed in a bid to reduce falls in older people.

In a trial run by researchers in Australia, more than 500 adults aged 70 and over were given a tablet computer with information about balance exercises, as well as a foam cushion, stepping box and exercise mat.

They were asked to exercise for two hours a week for two years, with the level of the challenges increasing.

The results were compared with a group who had only received a tablet containing details about diet, exercise and fall risk factors.

The programme, called Standing Tall, was found to significantly reduce the rate of falls after two years, according to the study published in The BMJ.

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