Exercise Improves Balance

Exercise and balance is the topic of a new Cochrane Collaboration review. The Cochrane Collaboration is the name of a group of over 11,500 volunteers in more than 90 countries. These individuals review studies in health care. They only include studies that use top notch research methods.

The Cochrane Collaboration looked at how well exercise works to improve balance. The results of 34 studies were summarized. Healthy adults (mostly women) over the age of 75 were included.

We know that aging brings many changes in anatomy, posture, balance, and stability. Inflexibility, weakness, and the inability to regain the midline position when pushed off balance can lead to instability and falls.

The more at-risk a person is for falls, the fewer exercise options he or she may have. But the good news is that even sitting activities can improve balance. Programs such as Sit-To-Be-Fit and stationary biking (upright or recumbent) have a positive impact on balance.

Most of the studies were short-term. It's not clear if the benefits of exercise on balance carry-over years or even months later. Long-term improvements in balance may require a lifestyle of exercise to maintain any gains made. Studies are especially needed to see if balance training can prevent falls and fall-related fractures.