Older people who have fallen or feel that the balance has deteriorated over the past year can on their own, with the help of Safe steps, get started with training to prevent future fall accidents.

Safe steps are based on previous research on training to prevent cases. The app contains exercises for balance, strength and steps and walking. The exercises are divided into several categories and are available in different degrees of difficulty so that they can be combined into an individual training program. In total there are about 50 exercises to choose from, all shown as short films.

Safe steps also include films with information on research on fall accidents and how these can be prevented by training for balance and strength. Tips on how the training can be woven into everyday activities so-called fit-on training as well as being performed in an outdoor environment is also provided.

A planning tool that supports the training is available with the possibility to set reminders, a training diary and statistics on the training that is registered. A virtual physiotherapist reminds and gives encouraging feedback when exercising.

Safe steps have been developed by researchers at Umeå University in collaboration with older people over the age of 70. The training program is based on previous research on training to prevent cases. An earlier version of Safe Steps has been evaluated in a controlled study where 67 seniors over 70 years of age for four months trained either with Safe Steps or a traditional paper program. Participants in both groups felt that the training improved both balance and strength. The participants who used Safe steps stated to a greater extent than those who trained with the paper program that they were very satisfied with the program and that the app was a support in the training. In total, 89% of the participants in the study stated that they would recommend the program to others.

The effect of training with Safe Steps is now being evaluated in a national controlled study aimed at older people over the age of 70. The study is approved by the Research Ethics Committee in Umeå (Dnr 2018 / 433-31). For detailed information about the study and the notification, see http://www.sakrasteg.se