Creating better balance and mobility for living well

Balance is a key indicator of our physical health because the ability to stand and walk is a strong predictor of survival in older adults. Age-related changes and insufficient physical activity - related changes directly affect functional health, balance, gait and increase risk for falling. Medical conditions often increase the risk for falling and injury. The need for exercise programs that include balance and mobility training targeting specifically impairments is essential to reduce the chances of falls and injuries.

Physical abilities vary widely between older adults and generally deteriorate to an extent over the lifespan.  Research shows however, that exercise interventions that primarily focus on balance, functional exercises and resistance training are the most effective  when compared to no exercise or other forms of exercise such as Tai Chi, dance, walking or resistance exercise alone. 

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​An important objective of an effective balance and mobility program is to challenge, but not exceed our client's capabilities by systematically introducing balance and mobility tasks of increasing complexity. This structured approach to design and implementation of a balance and mobility program reduces the many risk factors that contribute to falling.

Balance exercises are most successful when the exercises target

the specific impairment or weakness that causes loss of balance. 
 

With a new client who is  beginning to experiencing changes in balance and/or has a fall history, we conduct a 
Pre-Exercise Screen to determine possible impairments and identify strengths and weaknesses. We conduct a Fall Risk Screen and a multi-sensory balance and mobility assessment and functional fitness assessment.

Our Health and Fitness Professionals have  completed a wide range of advanced training to better help for clients with balance and mobility disorders due to often a wide range of progressing medical conditions. FallProof Balance and Mobility Program, Delay the Disease Parkinson's Exercise Program and LSVT BIG Parkinson's Disease Therapy Program, Stay Well at Home program-by Center for Successful Aging - California State University - Fullerton. Stepping On Building Confidence and Reducing Falls in Older Adults, Otago Therapy Program.

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We measure vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate as part of the pre-exercise screen. We then carefully review our client's  health and medical history, any recommendations made by their healthcare provider, and most recent bone density scan (if available) to check fracture risk. We then develop a multicomponent physical activity and exercise program unique to the client, and schedule the personal training sessions.

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