Falls in the elderly represent a major health and economic burden leading to fractures, immobility and mortality. The age-related decline in muscle mass (sarcopenia), balance deficits and altered gait parameters have been strongly linked with falling in the elderly population.
Physiotherapy and rehab programs targeting these parameters are effective at reducing fall rates amongst the elderly. Recently the use of computer games and simulations has become a popular means to make interventions less formal and more fun for participants. While more traditional approaches to falls reduction (OTAGO program) have a well-established body of evidence to support their efficacy, is the use of game based falls reduction supported by empirical evidence?