University Working to Reduce the Impact of Falls

The University of Worcester is training older people to fall safely, using pioneering techniques based on martial arts.

Members of the Senior Physical Activity and Adapted Sport programme were invited to add the Fall Safe Programme classes to their existing workouts.

They practice ‘breakfalls’ repeatedly, simulating a fall in a controlled way again and again so that when a real fall does happen, they instinctively brace properly and can get back on their feet safely.

Falls are the number one cause of older people presenting at A&E departments nationally, and the NHS estimates one in three adults over 65 will have at least one fall per year.

The University of Worcester is developing a training course to accredit instructors from across the country in delivering this training.

Marc Scriven, Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Worcester devised the programme after a close relative died following a fall.

He said: “The cost of falls is astronomical. There’s the ambulance service, there’s the cost of broken hips and collarbones, there’s the rehabilitation, the list goes on.”

“I’ve got a background in martial arts, so we use a grading system of coloured belts to show how far a participant has come,” said Marc. “The idea is that we practice the breakfalls until they become second nature, teaching our participants how to impact the ground in the safest possible way to minimise damage.”

Marc added: “We’re already seeing results. One of our participants had a fall while she was gardening, and told me how, because she had braced herself in a safe way, she was able to return to her feet and avoid serious injury. That was wonderful to hear as you can see that the coaching is having a positive impact on lives already.”

Falls can have devastating consequences on older people, causing serious injury and leading to a loss of confidence and independence, and can cause anxiety and worry for family and friends.

Alongside the ‘breakfall’ training, the Falls Prevention Programme at the University of Worcester includes learning about lifestyle steps you can take to prevent falls, such as looking at the layout of the home, staying active and talking openly about fall risks, postural stability, and exercises to reduce vulnerability.

To find out more about the Falls Prevention Programme, and the Senior Physical Activity and Adapted Sport Programme, email riversidefitnesssuite@worc.ac.uk, or visit the Riverside Centre on Hylton Road in Worcester.

For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries, telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk