Individuals with balance disorders have a high risk of falling.
Every year about one hundred thousand senior citizens sustain a hip fracture during falls, approximately half with persistent consequences. 20 percent of the persons affected are in need of care even on a continuing basis.
Individuals with balance and gait disorders are especially at risk. In Germany for example, the Bundesverband der Betriebskassen (Federal Association of Company Health Insurance Funds) in Berlin recommends muscle and balance training and wearing a special hip guard. This prevents complicated hip injuries.
