New Research Shows Home Exercise Programme Cuts Falls Risk for Stroke Survivors

A randomised trial published in BMJ demonstrates that tailored home-based interventions can significantly reduce fall risk among stroke patients, with benefits lasting up to 12 months.

Stroke survivors could significantly reduce their risk of falling through a simple home-based exercise programme, according to groundbreaking research published in the British Medical Journal.

The randomised trial evaluated a tailored intervention using gait devices in patients’ homes. Results showed statistically significant improvements across three key measures of balance and mobility that lasted for a full year after treatment.

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All 15 participants who were at baseline fall risk reduced their danger levels on at least one outcome measure after completing the programme. The intervention targeted balance through Berg Balance Scale assessments, mobility via Timed Up and Go tests, and walking ability using Functional Gait Assessment scores.

Study Results

The results prove striking. Just 17% of participants scored as low fall risk across all three measures at the start of the study. But 12 months after treatment, that figure jumped to 67%.

Participants needed at least 25 feet of space in their homes to complete the exercises safely. The programme focused on chronic stroke patients with hemiparetic gait – weakness affecting one side of the body that’s common after stroke.

Falls represent a major challenge for stroke survivors. Previous research shows exercise-based interventions can reduce fall rates, though evidence remains limited about cutting the actual number of people who fall.

Real-World Impact

Patient feedback supported the clinical measurements. Some 88% of participants reported feeling their balance had improved after completing the programme.

Real-world fall incidents dropped to 53% in the year following treatment compared to pre-treatment patterns, though researchers stress larger controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings apply more broadly.

The Cochrane Review on falls prevention after stroke notes that while home visit interventions show promise, evidence quality remains low. But this latest BMJ research adds weight to the case for home-based approaches.

Source: @bmj_latest

Key Takeaways

Home-based gait training considerably improves balance scores in stroke survivors for up to 12 months

All participants at fall risk showed improvement on at least one key measure after treatment

67% of participants achieved low fall risk status across all measures by 12 months post-treatment

What This Means for Kent Residents

Stroke survivors across Kent could benefit from similar home-based fall prevention programmes through NHS Kent and Medway services. Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust currently provides stroke rehabilitation services that may integrate these tailored gait interventions as evidence builds. Residents concerned about fall risk after stroke should speak to their GP or contact their local stroke team about home exercise referrals and fall risk assessments available through NHS services.

Source: @bmj_latest

Published: 24 March 2026

Source: @bmj_latest on X. This article has been researched and rewritten with editorial balance by Kent Local News.