AStrong evidence
Physical · concept
Supervision, Home Practice, and Adherence
How guidance and consistency shape whether balance training actually reduces falls.
✓
Research consistently shows…
Balance training only works if it is done with adequate challenge and sustained over time. Evidence compares supervised and home-based delivery: both can be effective, and supervision often supports better challenge and adherence, while well-designed home and tele-delivered programs extend access. The decisive factors are ongoing participation and progressive challenge, not the setting alone.
Consistent 2–3×/week, with periodic professional check-ins for progression Varies; often none all levels home, group, or tele
fall preventionbalancehealthy agingmobilityolder adultsgeneral adultsfall-riskbeginners
Common misconceptions
- 'Home programs don't work' (well-designed home training can be effective)
- 'Signing up is enough' (sustained adherence and progression drive the benefit)
What we won't claim
- Does not guarantee prevention of any fall or injury
- Not a substitute for medical evaluation of dizziness, syncope, or unexplained falls
When to seek a professional
- Two or more falls in the past 12 months, or any fall with injury
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting during standing or movement
- New or worsening unsteadiness, neurological symptoms, or numbness in the feet
- Fear of falling severe enough to restrict daily activity
Key sources (5), grade mix A:3 · B:2 · C:0
283 supporting studies inform this block; the key sources below are shown with their individual grades and DOI links. This is the audit trail.
AA. Lacroix, T. Hortobágyi, R. Beurskens, U. Granacher (2017) · Sports Medicine · 10.1007/s40279-017-0747-6
ATim Wiedenmann, Steffen Held, Ludwig Rappelt, Martin Grauduszus, Sofie Spickermann, L. Donath (2023) · European Review of Aging and Physical Activity · 10.1186/s11556-023-00311-w
AM. Mahjur, A. Norasteh (2021) · Biological Research for Nursing · 10.1177/1099800421989439
BA. Lacroix, R. Kressig, T. Muehlbauer, Y. Gschwind, B. Pfenninger, O. Bruegger, U. Granacher (2015) · Gerontology · 10.1159/000442087
BAyca Avci Trakyali, T. Kaya, Bugra Ince (2022) · European Geriatric Medicine · 10.1007/s41999-022-00724-3
✓Explore all 718 studies in Neuromotor (Balance/Agility/Coordination) →
The full evidence base this focus area draws on, every study with its grade and DOI.