Treinamento de equilíbrio e estabilidade postural como estratégia na prevenção de quedas em pessoas idosas: uma revisão de literatura

Abstract

Population aging has increased significantly in recent decades, imposing new challenges on health systems, particularly regarding the high incidence of falls in this age group. These events result from physiological changes inherent to aging, such as sarcopenia, sensory loss, and reduced balance and postural stability. The present study aims to evaluate, through a literature review, how balance and postural stability training can impact the prevention of falls in older adults. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach. The inclusion criteria comprised articles, monographs, and books published between 2018 and 2025 that addressed the following descriptors: balance exercises, older adults, fall prevention, postural control, and geriatric physiotherapy. Excluded were studies not available in full, duplicated publications, research lacking consistent theoretical grounding, materials not aligned with the guiding question or objectives of the review, and studies that did not present any of the descriptors. Eight scientific articles, monographs, and theses were selected from the databases Google Scholar, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and the Virtual Health Library (BVS), using the descriptors “postural control,” “balance,” “geriatric physiotherapy,” “older adults,” and “falls.” The results indicated that balance exercises significantly improve postural control in this population. However, when balance training is combined with other interventions, the outcomes are even more effective, promoting greater muscle strength, proprioception, body mobility, and functional capacity, thereby reducing the risk of falls and increasing confidence in performing daily activities. Thus, it is concluded that balance training, especially when associated with complementary interventions, is highly effective in promoting autonomy and healthier aging.