Effectiveness of Balance Training in Preventing Falls Among the Elderly: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: The risk of falls among older people is a significant public health concern, impacting quality of life and mortality rates. Balance training has been widely implemented as an intervention strategy to prevent falls; however, the effectiveness and variety of training methods remain diverse in the literature.

Methods: This study is a scoping review conducted by the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library using relevant keywords such as “balance training,” “fall prevention,” and “elderly.” Studies published between 2020 and 2025 involved balance training interventions among older adults.

Results: Out of 500 articles initially identified, 13 met the inclusion criteria. Balance training was shown to positively reduce fall risk, improve postural control, and enhance self-confidence among older adults in performing daily activities. The most commonly used interventions included Tai Chi, proprioceptive training, and multifunctional programs combining strength and balance exercises.

Conclusion: Balance training is an effective intervention for fall prevention in older people. The success of such interventions depends on the regularity, intensity, and type of training applied. Further research is needed to standardize optimal training programs for older populations with varying fall risk levels.