Maintaining balance through fitness fun

The risk for falls increases dramatically with age. Approximately 25% - 35% of people over the age of 65 years experiences one or more falls each year (Shumway-Cook, 1997). The Berg Balance Test has been shown to have moderately good sensitivity, and high specificity, and therefore is a good predictor of older adults who may have fall risks and may need assistive devices (Zwick, 2000). According to Ringsberg et al. (1999) it was found that quad strength did not actually improve balance If individuals have a fear of falling, this leads to increased number of falls. The purpose of the current study is to assess whether or not a balance focused exercise program would improve or maintain balance.