What Does the Research Say?
The evidence on exercise and falls prevention is strong and consistent. Structured, tailored exercise programs have been shown to:
- Reduce the risk of falls by at least 30% in older adults
- Reduce fear of falling by up to 40%
- Improve walking confidence, with or without a walking aid
- Improve overall quality of life
Research consistently shows that exercise programs of at least one hour per week, performed regularly, are effective at reducing falls risk. The key word is tailored — generic exercise is far less effective than a program designed around an individual's specific balance deficits, strength limitations and daily activity goals.
For a comprehensive overview of falls prevention evidence, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care provides detailed guidance on best practice approaches.
How Does Exercise Prevent Falls?
Balance is controlled primarily by the cerebellum — the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement. Like any system in the body, it responds to training. Targeted balance and coordination exercises essentially teach the cerebellum to respond more quickly and accurately to changes in body position, reducing the chance of a stumble becoming a fall.
A well-designed falls prevention program addresses several physical components simultaneously:
Balance and coordination — the foundation of falls prevention, training your body's ability to stay upright across different surfaces, speeds and situations.
Leg strength — strong legs are essential for walking, standing from a chair, and recovering from a stumble before it becomes a fall.
Core strength — a strong core supports upright posture, which is directly linked to better balance during everyday activities.
Cardiovascular fitness — improving overall endurance means less fatigue during daily tasks, and fatigue is a significant contributor to falls risk.
Arm strength — often overlooked, arm strength supports lifting, carrying and the ability to catch yourself or use a walking aid effectively.
Falls Prevention at Advantage Healthcare & Physiotherapy
At Advantage Healthcare & Physiotherapy, our Exercise Physiologist Sunny (Vidur Joshi) works with older adults to design personalised exercise programs focused on reducing falls risk and building confidence in everyday movement.
Sunny begins with a thorough assessment of your balance, coordination, strength and walking pattern — identifying the specific areas where targeted exercise will make the most difference. Your program is then built around your current capacity and progressed at a pace that's safe and achievable.
We run multiple Falls Prevention Classes each week, providing a structured group environment with individual attention. Many participants find the group setting adds a social dimension that helps with motivation and consistency — both of which matter enormously for long-term results.
Whether you're recovering from a fall, concerned about your balance, or simply want to stay active and independent for longer, a falls prevention program is one of the most evidence-based investments you can make in your long-term health.
Getting Started
Book an initial appointment with Sunny to discuss your balance goals and find out which class suits you best. No referral is needed, and private health rebates may apply.
If you're unsure whether falls prevention or another form of rehabilitation is right for you, our physiotherapists can also assess your movement and refer you to the most appropriate program.
Vidur (Sunny) Joshi
Exercise Physiologist
