Trends of exercise training research in fall prevention programs among the elderly

Objectives: To evaluate the trend of exercise research in exercise programs on fall prevention programs among the elderly and propose suggestions for future studies. Methods: Following a systematic literature search using the key word: clinical research, old adults (elderly), fall, and exercise, articles published from 1990 to 2002 describing exercise programs on fall were reviewed. Result: Twenty articles were reviewed. Research design, participants, setting, exercise program, equipments, intermediate indicator, outcome measure, and compliance were identified and discussed in the article. Conclusions: Exercise appeared to be an effective intervention in promoting physical and psychological well-being among the elderly. Suggestions for future studies include 1. A multi-disciplinary team working together to pool their knowledge and findings. 2. Evaluation being a part of exercise programs in order to assess its short term and long term effects. 3. Experimental or randomized controlled design being preferred in order to control for confounding factors. 4. Objective tools for fall assessment being required to provide scientific evidence.