CC Intervention: Encourage patient to exercise if cleared by their care team. Educate on the benefits of regular physical activity like improving strength, balance, and bone health.
Patient Action: Incorporate strength training exercises as directed by my care team.
CC Context: This is a sign of weak leg muscles, a major reason for falling. Working on strength exercises will help. Research shows that to reduce falls, exercises MUST focus on improving balance and strength; be progressive (get more challenging over time); and be practiced for at least 50 hours. For example, this means taking a 1-hour class 3 times a week for 4 months, or a 1-hour class 2 times a week for 6 months. Once you get clearance from your doctor to exercise, consider these resources:- Chair Rise Exercise
- Group exercise classes
- Working with a physical therapist
- Tai Chi has been proven to help prevent falls. Look for a Tai Chi class or try out these online videos. Online Tai Chi Videos
Questions to Ask:
- How sedentary are you?
- Do you get up and move throughout the day or mainly sit?
- Do you try to get up often to help build the muscles in your legs?