Strength and balance quality markers Supporting improvement through audit (Public Health England, 2019)

Public Health England have published recommendations on audits for strength and balance programmes aimed at reducing falls. They ask commissioners of their evidence based programmes to audit their impact on the local population. The report can be found here.

FaME (PSI) Implementation Toolkit for Commissioners published

Implementation toolkits are a useful resource for commissioners and providers of services. They reduce the labour needed in the commissioning process and have the benefit of being derived from best practice across localities. This toolkit, for the Falls Management Exercise (FaME) programme, has been developed from programmes that were effective and had high programme fidelity…

Support home exercise with the OTAGO App

Does your clients/patient have a smartphone? Do you want to encourage home exercise practice? The Otago Home Exercise Programme App (available from Google Play Store) costs £6.49 and is loaded with behaviour change motivation tips, a diary, and self reflection on progress. You can give advice on the exercises you most want them to do.…

Public Health Wales – Guidance on recommending exercise for older people to reduce risk of falls (2019)

This guidance is intended for anyone who works with or supports older people living in the local community, as these people are most likely to gain from strength and balance training (NICE 2013). It includes information that will help to:- • understand why physical activity is important for older people at risk of falling •…

NEW Cochrane Review: EXERCISE and FALLS PREVENTION (2019)

Its been eagerly awaited! And its here! To view the full document and download from the Cochrane Library. It confirms Sherringtons 2017 review, balance, functional and strength structured exercise programmes reduce both falls rate and number of fallers. Tai Chi may reduces both (evidence slightly less robust). Importantly it still states there is not enough…

Exercise and Osteoporosis. Expert Statement from the Royal Osteoporosis Society (Dec 2018)

In Dec, at the ROS Conference in Birmingham, an Expert Statement on Exercise and Osteoporosis was launched. Alongside some QUICK GUIDES, the statement is for professionals working with people with Osteoporosis and promotes the positive message of DO MORE. The evidence for maintaining bone health is mostly around weight bearing impact exercise and progressive strength…

Poster-Functional Fitness MOT for Older Adults: A Feasibility Study (2018)

Presented at NHS Lothian Research Conference for Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health Professions, Pharmacists, Psychologists and Healthcare Scientists (NMAHPPS) in conjunction with its academic partners at Queen Margaret University, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University and Stirling University.  Held on 16th March 2018 at Chancellor’s Building, Little France in Edinburgh. View the poster here.