Muscle weakness and impaired balance are risk factors underlying many falls
and fall injuries experienced by older people. Fall prevention strategies
have included exercise programmes that lower the risk of falling by improvi
ng strength and balance. We have developed an individually tailored, home-b
ased, strength and balance retraining programme, which has proven successfu
l in reducing falls and moderate fall injuries in people aged 80 years and
older. Here we describe a simple assessment of strength and balance and the
content and delivery of a falls prevention exercise programme.