Awareness of balance systems prevents future fall

I just completed the beginner level session of the community-based FallProof™ balance and mobility training program at Clarksburg Community Church. At the beginning of the third week, participants in this progressively challenging fall prevention exercise class starting to talk about the noticeable changes they were feeling. People proudly shared their July 4th stories, stating how they were able to do things they couldn't do last year or how they noticed a potentially dangerous situation and avoided it or approached it cautiously to prevent a fall. Awareness of fall risk factors coupled with an awareness of FallProof™ training techniques result in safer behaviors which results in reduced risk of a fall.

As their instructor, I immediately notice differences in individual movement patterns and exercise form. I see postures improve, endurance levels increase and balance confidence escalate as people attempt balance challenges that were previously avoided or attempted hesitantly. However the results of this balance training program are not mere observations. Using standardized testing procedures, I collect data (before and after participating in the class) to measure fitness parameters directly related to fall risk.

After the 4-week FallProof™ balance and mobility intervention at Clarksburg Community Church, the 9 participants demonstrated unanimous improvement in dynamic balance and agility, lower body flexibility and/or lower body strength! Everyone improved in at least one category while most improved in all three tests. The greatest improvements were seen in participants who struggled the most during the assessment testing or were more physically deconditioned. In fact, one lady not only improved the number of times she was able to get out of the chair but also DID NOT HAVE TO USE HER HANDS to get out of the chair during evaluation testing! Woo-hoo!

Due to summer heat and crazy schedules, I will not be teaching in July or August at Clarksburg but will resume teaching an intermediate and beginner level in September. During the last session I received so much positive feedback about the class, especially how an increased awareness of fall risk factors and the body systems involved in balance have helped reduce and/or prevent a fall situation. Get educated, get active and Take 5 to Exercise every day!

Praise the Lord!