# A Simple Balance Program Cut Falls by 40% in Older Heart Patients

_Evidence Level: Moderate · Tang N et al., Age and ageing, DOI 10.1093/ageing/afag237_

*Effects of a fall prevention program on falls among rural older adults with cardiovascular disease in China: a secondary analysis of the FAMILY cluster randomised trial.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Why this grade**: Secondary analysis of an open-label cluster randomised trial across 128 villages over 12 months, though falls were self-reported and the CVD subgroup was not the original target.
- **Facts**: Design: Randomized Controlled Trial
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
- **Journal**: Age and ageing
- **Sample Size**: Rural Chinese adults aged 60+ with hypertension or heart disease, across 128 villages
- **Authors**: Tang N, Peng J, Xu Z, Liu T, Nan B, Yan S, Li Z, Li Q, Meng R, Li Y, Hao T, Zhang L, Peng D, Yang M, Yao Y, Zhang J, Tian W, Ivers R, Wang Y, Ye P, Tian M
- **Graded and published**: 2026-08-03
- **Last edited**: 2026-09-17
- **Topics**: falls, exercise, cardiovascular disease
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afag237
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42580695/

## Summary

Older adults with heart disease or high blood pressure fall often, and falls can end independence fast. In 128 rural Chinese villages, local doctors ran a year of balance and functional exercise plus health education. Falls dropped from 43% to 32% of people, injuries from falls fell by roughly a third, and chair-stand and balance scores improved. One mobility test showed no difference, so the benefit wasn't across the board.

## Practical Takeaway

This trial suggests regular balance training may lower fall risk in older heart patients.

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/a-simple-balance-program-cut-falls-by-40-in-older-heart-patients · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-09-17_