Asian Journal of Advances in Medical Science

Background: Falls among older adults are a major public health concern, often leading to serious injuries, reduced independence, and diminished quality of life. Balance deficits and fear of falling are recognized risk factors. Community-based exercise programs focusing on balance may reduce these risks, but further evidence is needed to validate their effectiveness in local settings.

Methodology: A quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted to assess the impact of a 12-week balance training program on fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. 33 participants aged 65 and above were recruited from local community health centers affiliated with NIMS University. Inclusion required the ability to walk independently, a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥24, and medical clearance. The intervention involved supervised sessions held three times weekly, including balance, strength, and gait training. Key outcomes—Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Fall Efficacy Scale–International (FES-I), and fall incidence log—were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

Results: Post-intervention data showed significant improvements in BBS scores (+8.5 points), TUG performance (−2.1 seconds), and reduced FES-I scores (−6.3 points), all p < 0.01. Fall reports decreased by 58% over the 12 weeks.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that structured community-based balance training significantly improves balance, mobility, and confidence while reducing fall risk among older adults. These results support the incorporation of such programs into public health strategies to promote safe and active aging.