StandingTall App Aims to Reduce Falls Among Older Australians

Falls among older Australians have become a significant public health concern, costing the Australian healthcare system over $2.8 billion annually. In response to this pressing issue, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) has developed a groundbreaking mobile application, StandingTall, in collaboration with digital health specialists The Miroma Project Factory. This innovative app represents the first clinically validated, self-managed exercise program specifically designed to enhance balance and reduce fall-related injuries among individuals aged 60 and above.

According to Professor Kim Delbaere, Director of Innovation and Translation at the Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre at NeuRA, "StandingTall is more than just an app; it is a ready-to-implement, cost-saving intervention for health services, aged care providers, and governments." The app boasts over 800 progressive, balance-focused exercises tailored to each user's ability, adapting automatically as they improve. The user-friendly design allows for offline use and does not require special equipment, making it particularly suitable for home use, as well as for implementation in aged care facilities and across regional and remote communities.

The significance of StandingTall is underscored by the alarming statistics regarding falls among older Australians. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and fatalities in this demographic. For individuals who have previously experienced a fall, the repercussions can be severe, leading to life-altering injuries such as hip fractures and early admissions to residential aged care. StandingTall is based on over a decade of research and development, including comprehensive clinical trials involving more than 2,000 older Australians. The trials yielded compelling results, demonstrating a 20% reduction in fall-related injuries among participants, many of whom reported increased confidence and independence in their daily activities.

Professor Delbaere emphasized the importance of balancing exercises, stating, "The evidence suggests that it is essential to challenge your balance for two hours per week for a minimum of six months; however, many older adults are unsure where to begin or how to access the necessary support. StandingTall addresses this gap by facilitating balance exercises at home. This solution not only safeguards the health and quality of life of older individuals but also alleviates pressure on our healthcare system."

A health economic analysis indicates that StandingTall is both clinically effective and cost-effective, with a subscription fee of $30 per month, which is significantly more affordable than attending in-person exercise classes twice a week, while also mitigating travel costs and challenges.

What sets StandingTall apart is its combination of personalization, accessibility, and long-term engagement, all tailored to the specific needs of older Australians. The app adjusts to the user's level of balance and mobility, with exercises that evolve as they progress. "StandingTall was designed to be integrated into the daily lives of older adults," noted Professor Delbaere. "We built it to support ongoing usage, featuring progress tracking and feedback to help transform exercise into a habit."

Alicia Brown, an Exercise Physiologist at NeuRA, highlighted the collaborative approach taken during the app's development, stating that it was co-designed with older adults and health professionals to provide a practical, scalable approach to falls prevention. "We developed StandingTall in close consultation with older Australians, ensuring that we addressed their needs and preferences for a home-based exercise program," she said. "It is exciting to witness our research and clinical evidence translated into a practical tool that empowers individuals to take control of their health and maintain their confidence on their feet."

The StandingTall app is now available for download throughout Australia via a monthly subscription of $30. Additionally, the development team is collaborating with health services and aged care providers to potentially offer the program at no or reduced cost. For further information or partnership opportunities, interested parties can visit www.standingtall.net.au.

Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) is an independent, not-for-profit research institute situated in Sydney, dedicated to preventing, treating, and curing brain and nervous system diseases, disorders, and injuries through rigorous medical research. For more information about NeuRA, visit www.neura.edu.au.