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Bone Abstracts (2013) 1 D1.1 | DOI: 10.1530/boneabs.1.D1.1

ECTS2013 Clinical Debate (1) (2 abstracts)

For the motion (ECTS)

John Campbell


Otago University, Otago, New Zealand.


The incidence of hip fractures is declining in later cohorts of older people but, if the cohort effect is controlled for, the period effect shows a steady increase in incidence. This is almost certainly because we are seeing the survival of an increasingly frail group of older people with comorbidities. The great majority of hip fractures result from falls. There is strong research evidence that falls can be prevented. Proven strength and balance programmes reduce the rate of falls by around a third in community at-risk populations. The strength and balance retraining also improves cardiorespiratory function and cognition. Other proven fall prevention strategies include reduction of psychotropic medications, home modification, correction of visual problems, attention to foot problems, and multifactorial interventions. Prevention of falls through strength and balance programmes has advantages in addition to injury prevention. The programmes increase confidence, outside social activity and reduce institutional admission. Although it is certainly important to treat osteoporosis in older people to help prevent fractures there are even more reasons to prevent falls. Treatment of the whole person requires a programme to prevent falls, increase confidence in activities, maintain independence in daily living activities, and encourage social interaction. Proven programmes to improve strength and balance have been shown to have these multiple benefits and are being promoted and funded internationally.

Volume 1

European Calcified Tissue Society Congress 2013

Lisbon, Portugal
18 May 2013 - 22 May 2013

European Calcified Tissue Society 

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