HQ Team
March 11, 2025: A recent study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital has shown that an exercise intervention significantly reduces falls among elderly women, particularly those with polypharmacy, which is defined as the regular use of four or more medications.
The study, which involved 914 women with a median age of 76.5 years, found that those with polypharmacy who participated in the exercise program had a 29% lower risk of falls compared to the control group using fewer medications.
The exercise intervention included guided sessions of tai chi and circuit training twice a week for the first six months, followed by free access to recreational sports facilities for the next six months. During the two-year follow-up, 1,380 falls were reported, with 739 resulting in injuries and 63 in fractures. The study highlighted that polypharmacy was associated with poorer results in functional tests measuring physical fitness, but the exercise intervention effectively mitigated this risk.
Exercise effectiveness in preventing falls
This research aligns with previous studies that have demonstrated the effectiveness of exercise in preventing falls among older adults. For instance, a systematic review found that exercise can reduce the risk of falls by between 15% and 32%, depending on the type of program. Another study emphasized that multi-component exercise training, which includes balance and strength exercises, is particularly effective in reducing falls and fall-related injuries.
The American Geriatrics Society and British Geriatrics Society recommend incorporating gait training, resistance, and balance exercises into fall prevention strategies. Additionally, exercises like tai chi have been shown to improve balance and reduce falls in the elderly.
The World Health Organization suggests that older adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly to reduce fall risk factors.
Polypharmacy and exercise intervention
The findings of this study underscore the importance of targeting exercise interventions towards individuals with polypharmacy to enhance fall prevention in the elderly population. As noted by researcher Anna-Erika Tamminen, efforts to increase physical activity should focus on those using multiple medications. This approach improves physical fitness and reduces the societal costs associated with fall-related injuries.
This study provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of structured exercise programs in reducing falls among elderly women, especially those with polypharmacy. It supports broader recommendations for incorporating physical activity into daily routines to improve health outcomes and reduce fall risks in older adults.
