A new exercise application for older Australians has been proven to help reduce fall-related injuries.
Sydney-based medical research institute, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), introduced a new mobile application, called StandingTall, providing a clinically validated, self-managed exercise programme.
The app has been tested in clinical trials involving more than 2,000 Australians aged 65 and above. NeuRa said, citing results, that the app helped prevent fall-related injuries by 20%.
HOW IT WORKS
StandingTall features more than 800 progressive, balance-focused exercises that adjust to a user's balance and mobility and automatically adapt as they progress. According to NeuRa, it is easy to use, works offline, and requires no special equipment.
"We built StandingTall with older Australians every step of the way, listening closely to what they needed and wanted from a home-based exercise program," explained NeuRA exercise physiologist Alicia Brown.
The app-based programme is also designed as a cost-saving intervention for health services, aged care providers, and governments, according to Kim Delbaere, professor and director of Innovation and Translation at the Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre at NeuRA.
It can be availed through a monthly subscription, which, according to NeuRa, is more affordable than attending in-person classes and eliminates the cost and difficulty of travel.
The research institute is also working with health services and aged care providers to provide the programme at no or reduced cost.
WHY IT MATTERS
NeuRA notes that falls cost the Australian health system over A$2.8 billion ($1.8 billion) per year. It is the major cause of injury-related hospitalisation and death among Australian people aged 65 and above.
Fortunately, falls are preventable, said Prof Delbaere. "The evidence says that it is important to challenge your balance for two hours per week for a minimum of six months, but many people don’t know where to start or how to access the right support." StandingTall, she said, provides this access.
THE LARGER TREND
NeuRa has also created an AI-driven smartwatch algorithm that can accurately measure walking steadiness and speed, helping predict a person's likelihood of falls. The AI, called Watch Walk, has been exclusively licensed to ASX-listed Spacetalk, a developer of wearable technologies.
Spacetalk also has fall detection and prediction features on its line of LIFE smartwatches for seniors.
