Exercises to help prevent falls
Flexibility exercise in its simplest form stretches and elongates muscles. Disciplines which incorporate stretching with breath control and meditation include yoga and tai chi. The benefits of greater flexibility may go beyond the physical to the improvement of stress reduction and the promotion of a greater sense of well-being.
Balance Exercises
You can do some balance exercises during everyday activities.
- While waiting in line at the store, try balancing on one foot.
- Try sitting down and standing up without using your hands.
Toe Stand
To make your calves and ankle muscles stronger:
- Hold on to a solid support for balance, like the back of a chair.
- Stand with your back straight and slightly bend both knees.
- Push up onto your tiptoes as high as possible.
- Slowly lower your heels to the floor.
- Repeat 10 to 15 times.
Knee Curl
To make your buttocks and lower back muscles stronger:
- Hold on to a solid support for balance, like the back of a chair.
- Stand with your back straight, feet shoulder width apart, and slightly bend both knees.
- Lift one leg straight back behind you, then bend your knee and bring your heel toward your buttock.
- Slowly lower your leg back to a standing position.
- Repeat 10 to 15 times with each leg.
Leg Extension
To make your thigh muscles stronger and possibly decrease knee pain:
- Sit in a straight-back chair with your feet on the floor.
- Straighten one leg out in front of you as much as possible.
- Slowly lower your leg back down.
- Repeat 10 to 15 times with each leg.
Stretching the Back of Your Leg
To make it easier for you to move around:
- Sit in a straight-back chair.
- Put one foot on a low stool in front of you.
- Straighten your leg that is on the stool and reach your hand toward this foot.
- Hold for 10 to 20 seconds. Then sit back up.
- Repeat 5 times with each leg.
Other Activities
Walking is a great way to improve your strength, balance, and endurance.
- Use a walking stick or walker as needed for support.
- As you get stronger, try walking on uneven ground, such as sand or gravel.
Tai chi is a good exercise for healthy adults to help develop balance.
Simple movements and exercises in a swimming pool can help improve balance and build strength.
When to Call the Doctor
If you have pain, dizziness, or problems breathing during or after any exercise, stop. Talk with your physical therapist, nurse, or provider about what you are experiencing and before you continue.
References
National Institute on Aging website. Four types of exercise can improve your health and physical ability.
National Institute on Aging website. Falls and fractures in older adults: causes and prevention.
Sherrington C, Fairhall NJ, Wallbank GK, et al. Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;1(1):CD012424. PMID: 30703272
US Department of Health and Human Services website. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans 2nd edition.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 4/18/2024
Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
