'Flexible' elderly reduce risk of falls

Continued exercise is important to maintain flexibility

Osteopaths have taught older women to walk more confidently as part of a project to help reduce the number of falls among the elderly.

Almost a third of people over the age of 65 hurt themselves falling each year, increasing to around half of those in their 80s.

Each of the 45 participants in the study was given treatment over five weeks to improve their flexibility.

Experts worked on increasing the length of their stride and improving their gait.

Osteopath Guillaume Climent, who treated the women, said: "When we carried out the first tests, we found stepping and striding were quite short.

Elderly people tend to shuffle but by improving their flexibility they became much more confident

Dr Mark Goss-Sampson

"But after treatment there was a significant difference.

"Their stride and step increased along with their velocity."

Elderly people become less steady on their feet due to a loss of flexibility and sensory deterioration.

This can be more serious for women, who may be exposed to an increased risk of osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease, after the menopause.

Mr Climent concentrated on improving flexibility in the women's lower back, pelvis, knees and ankles.

Sustained exercise

The research is being carried out at the Sports and Exercise Science Centre at the University of Greenwich in London.

Mr Climent's colleague Dr Mark Goss- Sampson said: "Elderly people tend to shuffle but by improving their flexibility they became much more confident."

Injuries from falls among the elderly are often serious, causing permanent immobility or even death, and the fear of falling can have a dramatic impact on their quality of life.

The National Osteoporosis Society has welcomed the study.

A spokeswoman said: "This study, although it is a very small sample, seems to have produced some good results, although we do already know that improved gait and balance are important factors in reducing falls.

"We also know that exercise needs to be sustained over a period of time in order to have an effect in the reduction of falls.

"Complementary therapies, such as Tai Chi may also help to improve balance."