Researchers at the University of Tasmania, in Launceston, evaluated the effects of a Pilates on balance and function in community-dwelling elderly adults. (more…)

Patients with Parkinson’s disease have impaired balance, which affects function and increases the risk of falling. Exercise is routinely encouraged by healthcare providers, but few programs have been proven effective.

Researchers at the Oregon Research Institute, in Eugene, studied whether a tailored tai chi program could improve postural control in patients with Parkinson’s disease. (more…)

Prof. Ernst and a colleague critically evaluated the systematic reviews of tai chi for any improvement of medical conditions or clinical symptoms. (more…)

A multifactorial fall-risk assessment including a fall history, physical exam, gait and balance evaluation, and environmental assessment is recommended for all older adults who have fallen or have a problem with gait or balance, according to Dr. Sara Bradley, assistant professor of geriatrics and palliative medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in New York City. (more…)

The benefits differ.

And, the response to tai chi is long-lasting, according to researchers at the University of Arizona, in Tucson. (more…)

During the 26th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), researchers at the AISM Rehabilitation Center in Genoa, Italy, compared Wii to a traditional rehabilitation program in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). (more…)

Researchers at the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, Canada studied the effects on cognitive function. (more…)

Researchers from The University of Melbourne, in Victoria, Australia report “Feldenkrais Method balance classes may improve mobility and balance in older adults.” (more…)

It’s the third study in the past year.

This time from researchers at the University of South Carolina, in Columbia. (more…)

 So, here’s a list of studies on CAM and stroke that were published in the past year. (more…)

Back in 2004, Dr. John Chang from the David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles reported, “Interventions to prevent falls significantly reduce the proportion of older people who fall at least once.”

Reviewers since then have disagreed. (more…)

Standing balance deficits are common after stroke. One way to address these deficits is to provide feedback from a force platform while balance activities are performed. (more…)

Physiotherapy (or physical therapy) is defined as the treatment of disease by physical exercise, massage, or other manipulative body-based methods — not drugs. Wikipedia has a good overview.

Cochrane has judged the evidence. (more…)

Fall-related injuries are the leading cause of injury, deaths, and disabilities among adults older than 65 years. Minimizing the fall risk is a practical approach to reducing these serious injuries.

One strategy is balance training.

(more…)