September 2026 Newsletter Highlights

Balance Awareness Week: Sept 13-19th

Journal of Aging & Physical Activity Research - January 2026

~35% of adults 40+ report some vestibular dysfunction

1 in 4 adults 65+ experiences a fall each year

Up to 25-39% fewer falls with regular balance training.

Reactive “perturbation-based” balance training holds up outside the lab. 

A Heidelberg University research team followed older adults through a treadmill-based program designed to trigger sudden, controlled loss of footing so the body learns to recover automatically, the kind of stumble that causes real-world falls. Both participants and their trainers rated the approach positively overall, though people who had already experienced a fall were more hesitant to engage with it, likely due to fall-related anxiety. The researchers suggest introducing this style of training before a first fall happens, while confidence is still high, rather than waiting until after an injury.

Reactive training is emerging as one of the most effective tools for fall prevention, but timing and framing matter for getting people to stick with it. 

Provider Spotlight:

PM&R

When balance symptoms are complex or persistent, a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician can be a valuable part of the care team. PM&R physicians specialize in identifying factors that may be affecting function, mobility, and quality of life. Their whole-person approach can help address the many contributing factors that may impact balance, particularly when symptoms involve neurologic conditions, concussion, chronic pain, or other complex medical concerns.