Researchers from the Universidad Europea del Altántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO), Álvaro Velarde and Natalia Vélez, together with other researchers, study the effect of proprioceptive training to prevent the suffering of falls and their consequences in older adults.
Aging is an irreversible process that generates physiological changes in various human systems, including the musculoskeletal system, the central nervous system and sensory systems. Likewise, it has been demonstrated that as we age, the risk of suffering from different types of diseases and medical alterations increases; this causes a greater risk of falls. Therefore, aging is a public health problem and an important geriatric syndrome, which leads to high rates of mortality and disability in older adults.
Although the factors associated with falls in older adults are multifactorial in nature, some may be more preventable than others, there is a need to implement practical interventions that are addressed from a preventive context to reduce the risk of adverse situations that lead to loss of functionality and decrease the quality of life of this population.
In this context, Dr. Velarde, together with other researchers, examines the effect of proprioceptive training in older adults in order to prevent the risk of falls. Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to perceive its position and movement in space. Proprioceptive training focuses on improving this ability through specific exercises that challenge and stimulate the nervous and muscular system.
Research results have shown that proprioceptive training improves balance and stability in older adults, strengthens muscle strength and athletic performance, and reduces episodes of dizziness and falls. These findings are crucial, as they demonstrate the real and lasting benefits of proprioceptive training in preventing the risk of falls in older adults. They also pave the way for a more prominent incorporation of proprioceptive training into exercise programs for older adults, suggesting the need for a holistic approach to addressing older adults’ health and wellness, beyond the traditional use of gym equipment and basic exercises.
If you want to learn more about this fascinating study, click here.
To read more research, consult the UNEATLANTICO repository.
The Iberoamerican University Foundation (FUNIBER) promotes several study programs in the area of health and sports, such as the Master’s Degree in Sports Performance: Training and Functional Assessment and the Master’s Degree in Gerontology.