Comparison of BRACE(Balance, Resistance, Aerobic, and Cognitive Exercises) and BRE (Balance Resistance Exercises) on Fall Risk Reduction in Elderly

In terms of morbidity and mortality fall is a major concern in older adults. Fall is defined as unintentional contact with the ground. In 1988 defined fall as "an event in which a person rest unintentionally on the ground or lower surface". There are many reasons for fall which can be intrinsic or extrinsic. The risk factors of fall can be ageing (e.g. cognitive impairment, poor balance or low vision), nutritional (vitamin D and calcium deficiency), medication (sedatives, antidepressants etc), environmental factors (improper shoes, poor lightning and unsafe stairs) and lack of exercise.

The most common mechanism of injury in the elderly population is falling about 30%-50% of falls in the elderly result in minor injuries, including bruises, abrasions, and lacerations, but an estimated 10% of all falls in seniors cause major injuries, including intracranial injuries and fractures. One per cent of all falls in this population result in hip fractures, which pose a significant risk for post-fall morbidity and mortality.

A case series was conducted at Shifa Tamer-e-Millat University Islamabad from January-July 2016. Sixteen adults more than 60 years age (07 males and 09 females) were recruited through convenient sampling. The specified Wii fit plus training was provided to all patients and the games included the Soccer heading, Ski slalom, table tilt and yoga. The Wii fit training improves the balance and reduces the fall risk in the older population.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of virtual reality and strength training on the balance, fear of falling and handgrip strength of older women with a history of falls. Balance training consisting of virtual reality and strengthening exercises proved to be an effective tool to reduce the fear of falling and to improve the mobility of elderly female fallers and may be an acceptable treatment for the prevention of falls and balance recovery.

Older adults are prone to fall due to ageing. Mostly older adults aged 60 and above fall due to cognitive impairment, balance problems and physiological functioning. Many studies reported that prevention of fall is possible by adopting a healthy lifestyle, environmental modification, exercise and education. Exercise plays a very important role in fall prevention e.g exercise and tai chi training target balance, flexibility and strength can reduce fall and harm related to fall. Although it does not show a marked difference enjoyable exercise program training is beneficial to achieve healthy outcomes.