Regular exercise and consistent vision treatment in elderly patients can help prevent falls, which are the leading cause of injury among this age group. These findings come from a meta-analysis of 54 randomized clinical trials involving almost 42,000 people and 39 interventions. The data suggest that gentle exercise, such as tai chi, can decrease the risk of injury from falls by 12% in patients over 65 years old. An even greater risk reduction (38%) was seen in people who exercised and had vision assessment or treatment. Study authors note that, although exercise seems to be helpful, choice of interventions should draw on the values and preferences of patients and caregivers.
Authors:
Andrea C. Tricco, Sonia M. Thomas, Areti Angeliki Veroniki, Jemila S. Hamid, Elise Cogo, Lisa Strifler, Paul A. Khan, Reid Robson, Kathryn M. Sibley, Heather MacDonald, John J. Riva, Kednapa Thavorn, Charlotte Wilson, Jayna Holroyd-Leduc, Gillian D. Kerr, Fabio Feldman, Sumit R. Majumdar, Susan B. Jaglal, Wing Hui, Sharon E. Straus
Corresponding author:
Andrea Tricco, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Email: triccoa@smh.ca
Original paper published in JAMA on November 7, 2017.
Associated press release from St. Michael’s Hospital.
