\n Dr. Arun M Thimmia, a GP at Abbey Road Surgery, is working on a research project for his Master of Science (MSc) in Sports and Exercise Medicine.\n<\/p>\n
\n The project will look at reducing the risk of falls through recognised falls prevention programmes.\n<\/p>\n
\n Dr. Arun M Thimmiah said: \u201cI am really excited to be offering a falls reduction pathway for the Barrow Community along with my colleagues Lauren Booth and Aidan Murphy, at Barrow Leisure Centre.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThis is being done as part of a research project which combines two proven methods of reducing falls \u2013 Exercise Snacking and Otago Exercise Program which are both evidence-based exercise programs designed to prevent falls in older adults, particularly those over 65 who are frail.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThe project is being done as part of my MSc research pilot study under University of Bath with appropriate ethical approval.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n The exercises will be delivered at Barrow Park Leisure centre on Thursday afternoons, and participants would need to attend every week for a period of 12 weeks.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cFalls are a significant cause of physical disability, worsening frailty and loss of independence in older adults. This occurs due to generalised loss of muscle and strength,\u201d Dr. Arun M Thimmiah said.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cHistorically, people have relied on physiotherapy input from the hospital and community teams for rehabilitation exercises to reduce the risk of falls.\n<\/p>\n
\n “However, with our increasing ageing population and long waiting times for services, the help required to enable people to rehabilitate themselves is often delayed leading to further deterioration and recurrent falls with its associated complications.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThis project hopes to provide people with some simple exercises that can be done at home without any specialist equipment followed by utilisation of the amazing exercise programs available in the community through the Barrow Leisure Centre to offer an alternative to mainstream services.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n There are some exclusion criteria based on people\u2019s underlying health conditions and general ability which will be assessed upon enrolment.\n<\/p>\n
\n Dr. Arun M Thimmiah said: \u201cIf the study demonstrates improved outcomes as expected, this could pave the way for a falls reduction pathway that can be delivered in the community using existing community services without relying on NHS services with benefits both to older adults and the local health care systems.\n<\/p>\n
\n “It would hopefully also help increase people\u2019s awareness of the facilities available for exercises in the community which can be utilised to help prevent people from falling by making positive choices with regards to physical activity and exercise.\u201d\n<\/p>\n