Individualised exercise programme improves balance and postural control in older adults, trial finds

A single-blind randomised controlled trial (n=113, community-dwelling adults aged 65 and over) tested a novel multisegmental, individually tailored exercise programme (MIBEX) for postural dysfunction and balance impairment [Primary Study]. Compared with an education-video control, the intervention produced large, statistically significant improvements in Timed Up and Go performance, functional reach, Mini-BESTest balance scores and postural sway.

The randomised, single-blind design and the size of the reported effects give this trial more weight than an uncontrolled exercise pilot, though it is a single trial rather than a synthesised evidence base and would benefit from independent replication.

The programme is individualised and low-equipment, making it plausible to deliver domiciliarily rather than only in group clinic settings — a model potentially well suited to falls-prevention caseloads where group attendance is difficult to sustain, such as dispersed rural populations.