About the Project

Reducing falls in older adults by improving strength, balance, mobility and confidence, through aquatic exercise.

Aqua Steps is a research study funded by the Chief Scientist’s Office. It focuses on reducing falls in older adults by improving strength, balance, mobility and confidence, through aquatic exercise.

Why are falls a problem?

One-third of people aged 65 years or over fall every year. Thus, more than 4 million people fall each year in the UK, which is approximately 11,000 people daily. Falls reduce quality of life, lead to nursing home admissions, cause about 90% of hip fractures and half of deaths due to injury. The annual NHS and social care cost for fall-related injuries is more than £3.3 billion.

What makes one more likely to fall?

If a person has a history of falls and if they are of an advanced age, then they are more likely to fall. The risk for a fall, however, also increases if one has poor gait, balance, strength and functional ability, as well as a fear of falling.

Can we do anything to prevent or reduce falls?

Yes! Most of the factors that make one more likely to fall can be improved: strength, balance, functional ability, gait, fear of falling etc. Exercise on land has been shown to be effective  and can reduce falls by up to a third. Exercise is the therefore recommended by the NHS for fall prevention.

How is exercising in the water different?

Aquatic exercise in shallow water has some advantages compared to exercise on land. For example, buoyancy reduces spine and joint loads and allows exercising without having to support your weight, while the pressure of the water on the body assists with balance and mobility. It may therefore be superior to exercise on land, and preferable for people who find land exercise challenging or have high risk or fear of falling.

Can aquatic exercise also be used for falls prevention?

Current evidence suggests that it can, but more high-quality research is needed on aquatic exercise for falls prevention. For the Aqua Steps study, we designed and delivered an aquatic exercise intervention for people with high risk of falls. We assessed whether the programme is feasible, and if people are willing and able to participate and complete it. We are also having a preliminary look on the programme’s effects on falls and the main risk factors for falls, such as strength, functional ability, balance and fear of falling.