Best Exercises To Improve Balance In Elderly

It's well known that balance exercises can help elderly people avoid dangerous falls -- but a newCochrane Reviewshows justwhat kinds of exercises seem to be most effective.

Researchers found that the best ways to improve balance "involved exercises that challenged people's balance while they were standing," study researcher Tracey Howe, of Glasgow Caledonian University, said in a statement.

The exercises that were done three times a week for three months seemed to be the most effective, she added.The Telegraphreported that these sorts of activities includedancing and carrying objects while walking.

"What you have to do is combine activities, such as carrying thingswhile walking or dancingwhich involves using various parts of the body," Howe toldThe Telegraph. "It is well worth the elderly putting their favorite music on at home and having a little jig."

Surprisingly, plain old walking and riding a bicycledidn't seem to be that effectiveat reducing falls among the older population, Howe added, though of course there are many other health benefits associated with these activities.

Howe and her colleagues reviewed 94 studies, which included 9,917 people. Theyreviewed exercisesthat included Tai Chi and yoga, dance, walking and cycling, vibrating platforms and computerized training programs, as well as exercises that focused on strengthening, balance and coordination.

Last year, a study published inNursing Administration Quarterlyshowed that elderly people's balance and gait were improved afterparticipating in a dance therapy program, ScienceDaily reported.

One in three elderly adultswill fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These falls can cause hip fractures and other traumas -- and could even lead to death.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.