Background: Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for adults 65 years of age and older. Decreased lower extremity strength, lack of proprioceptive input (coordination), and instability are the main causes of falls in older adults.
Methods: Peer-reviewed articles were accessed from PubMed using search terms Fall Prevention Exercise AND Resistance Training. Articles featuring interventions other than resistance training were excluded.
Discussion: Identifying physical performance deficits is the first step in constructing a quality program to reduce the rate of falls in older adults. Lower body progressive resistance training has demonstrated an ability to reduce fall risk and should be a central component of any fall prevention exercise intervention.
Conclusion: This literature review demonstrates the current effectiveness of strength training for fall prevention. The American College of Sports Medicine guidelines are an effective starting point for preventing falls due to poor leg strength and physical capability.
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