Balance Training and Cognitive Exercises Show Promise in Reducing Fall Risk in Individuals with Cognitive Impairment

Strategic Insights -

Cognitive impairments, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, significantly increase the risk of falls in older adults due to motor dysfunction and balance deficits. Physical activity is essential for dementia prevention, but older adults often struggle with balance issues, fear of falling, and reduced mobility. A recent systematic review conducted by researchers at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in collaboration with international partners has found that balance training and cognitive exercises may be beneficial in improving balance, cognitive function, and quality of life among individuals with cognitive impairment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The systematic review, which analyzed 24 studies on balance physical therapy and 25 studies on cognitive training, found that physical exercise alone significantly improved postural stability in 15 out of 24 studies and enhanced cognitive function in 5 out of 25 studies.
  • The integration of cognitive training with physical exercise demonstrated additional benefits in improving balance and cognition in 7 out of 11 studies.
  • The review emphasizes the potential benefits of physical balance exercises, often combined with cognitive training, in improving balance, cognitive function, and certain aspects of quality of life among individuals with cognitive impairment.
  • The study was funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme.
  • Michalis Tsoukatos from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens led the research, which included a comprehensive literature search across three electronic databases.
  • The review used the ROB-1 tool to evaluate the risk of bias in the studies and RevMan software to analyze the effectiveness of the interventions.

Statistics:

  • 15 out of 24 studies found that stand-alone physical exercise improved postural stability.
  • 5 out of 25 studies found that stand-alone physical exercise enhanced cognitive function.
  • 7 out of 11 studies found that the integration of cognitive training along with physical exercise improved balance and cognition.
  • 22 studies were considered high-quality and included in the final analysis.

Sources:

  • "Effects of balance physical therapy with or without cognitive training in adults with cognitive and balance impairments: a systematic review." European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 2025;22(1):16.
  • NewsRx. Reports Summarize Dementia Findings from National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Effects of balance physical therapy with or without cognitive training in adults with cognitive and balance impairments : a systematic review). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 13, 2025; p 741.