In this post we discuss how resistance training can prevent fractures if you fall.
I’ve written before how resistance training can help to improve your balance and prevent falls as you get older.
Resistance training has a further benefit however. If you’re unlucky enough to actually fall, it can help prevent more serious injuries like fractures.
The most common fractures from falls are those to the hip. This typically occurs with a sideways fall, where the individual lands directly on their greater trochanter.
This type of fall applies a large force to a relatively unprotected area which tends to cause issues.
In order to prevent this, the faller is required to rotate their trunk in the direction they’re falling and get their hands out in front of them to slow their descent.
This requires control of the trunk and strong arm, shoulder and chest muscles to absorb the force of the hands hitting the ground.
Naturally if you train these muscles regularly with appropriate resistance training exercises, you’ll be in much better shape to execute this.
This study found the protective effect of exercise was 61% in terms of fracture prevention.
That’s huge if you consider the life changing effect a hip fracture can have.
Summary
Resistance training can not only prevent falls, it can also reduce the risk of sustaining serious injury if you do fall.
Our free guide will help you get started if you want to find out more.