Falls Links
July 2025 | Issue 7 |
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Welcome to the July 2025 issue of our newsletter |
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IN THIS ISSUE - 2025 Annual Survey Available
- World Falls Prevention Society Membership
Research Highlights - Upcoming Webinars
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Upcoming Conference
- Upcoming Events
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2025 Annual Survey Now Available! |
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We would like to invite you all to participate in our annual feedback survey. Your input is crucial for planning future event themes and improving how we communicate the latest news, information, and resources on fall prevention and healthy ageing.
The survey includes questions about your experiences with engaging in our activities, events, your thoughts on our communication methods and how we can best support your work in fall prevention and healthy ageing. We value your opinions and appreciate your time in growing and improving our network.
The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and will be accessible until Friday, 1st August 2025. |
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Membership for the World Falls Prevention Society (WFPS) | |
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Join the first world society dedicated to reducing falls in older adults and at-risk populations. Why join now?
As a newly established society, early membership is critical to building momentum and delivering the high-quality resources, networking and events our field deserves. By joining today, you are not only gaining exclusive benefits, you are helping lay the foundation for a strong, internationally connected community dedicated to fall prevention. As a member, you will receive: - Discounted registration for the 2026 World Falls Congress in Manchester, England
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Access to premium online resources and the latest evidence-based research through online webinars
- Opportunities for professional development and global collaboration
- Connection to an international community of clinicians, researchers and policy leaders
WFPS brings together multidisciplinary professionals to advance research, share best practices and implement real-world solutions in fall prevention. Whether you are a student, a seasoned academic, a clinician or working in policy, we believe you will find great value in joining our society. Membership fees (valid through to December 2026): - Regular Member – $250 AUD
- Student/Post-Doc Member – $125 AUD
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Developing Nations Member – Complimentary
Ready to make a difference in falls prevention?
Visit our website to learn more and become a member today. |
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Virtual Reality Intervention for Fall Prevention in Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis
Saragih ID, Chen YM, Suarilah I, Susanto H, Lee BO. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2025 Jun 18. DOI: 10.1111/jnu.70028 Abstract
Purpose: Falls among older adults are a major public health concern, often leading to serious outcomes such as fractures, head trauma, and increased mortality. Virtual reality (VR) interventions have emerged as a promising strategy for fall prevention by improving balance, reducing fear of falling, and enhancing confidence. However, the impact of VR interventions on specific outcomes such as fear of falling, balance, and postural control in older adults remains insufficiently synthesized.
Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods: A comprehensive systematic search of six databases was conducted from inception to January 20, 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating VR interventions targeting fear of falling, balance, and postural control in older adults were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB-2). Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models for each outcome.
Findings: Seventeen RCTs involving 988 older adults, published between 2016 and 2025, met the inclusion criteria. VR interventions demonstrated significant effects in reducing fear of falling (SMD = -0.40; 95% CI: -0.72 to -0.08; I2 = 45.10%; p = 0.02), improving balance (SMD = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.07- 0.83; I2 = 73.54%; p = 0.02), and enhancing postural control (SMD = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.13-0.86; I2 = 46.89%; p = 0.01).
Conclusion: This meta-analysis highlights the effectiveness of VR interventions in reducing fear of falling and improving balance and postural control among older adults Read more here For more fall prevention-related research publications, the NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network collates abstracts each month which can be viewed here. |
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Preventing Falls in Older Australians: Applying the Updated National Guidelines in Practice Online, in partnership between the CRE in the Prevention of Fall Related Injuries, The Australia New Zealand Falls Prevention Society and Injury Matters 16 July 1PM-2PM AEST
Hosted in partnership between the CRE in the Prevention of Fall Related Injuries, The Australia New Zealand Falls Prevention Society and Injury Matters, this informative webinar will introduce the newly released Preventing Falls and Harm from Falls in Older People: Best Practice Guidelines (2025), developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. These comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines provide best practice recommendations for preventing falls in hospitals, residential aged care, and community care settings.
This session will offer an overview of the updated guidelines, their development and discuss their application across various care environments. Participants will hear from contributors involved in the development of the guidelines and gain insights into person-centred strategies to reduce falls risk and support healthy ageing. Whether you work in health care, aged care, or community services, this webinar will enhance your knowledge and confidence in supporting older Australians to prevent falls and maintain their independence. |
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Upcoming Conference - Asia Pacific Society for Physical Activity |
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Explore, connect, and lead change through physical activity. ASPA 2025: Advancing Active Futures
Join leaders in research, policy and practice for ASPA 2025 in Newcastle, Australia — a vibrant forum to share evidence, build partnerships and drive real-world impact across the Asia-Pacific. Key dates: - Abstract submission opens: June 1, 2025
- Conference registrations open: July 4, 2025
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Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand 8th Annual Scientific Meeting
20 - 23 July 2025, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand
1st Asian Falls Network & 4th Fragility Fracture Network of Malaysia Annual Scientific Meeting 2025
12 - 13 September 2025, The Vertical, Connexion Conference & Event Centre, Kuala Lumpur
ANZHFR Binational Hip Fest 2025
6 - 7 November 2025, Rydges Hotel, Melbourne Australia
11th Biennial Australia & New Zealand Falls Prevention Society Conference
23 - 25 November 2025, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Hotel, Sydney, Australia
Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity (ASPA) annual conference
26-28 November 2025, Newcastle City Hall, Sydney, Australia
3rd World Falls Congress, hosted by British Geriatric Society in association with the World Falls Prevention Society and EU Falls Fest Group
24 - 26 June 2026, Manchester, UK |
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Our vision is to lead the way in fall prevention and other healthy ageing initiatives by harnessing expert knowledge and being collaborative in all we do.
We work closely with researchers, policy makers, health practitioners and community service providers in the development and promotion of healthy ageing services and programs with a focus on preventing falls and fall-related injury.
Our purpose is to support practitioners to improve the lives of older Australians through healthy ageing initiatives with a focus on preventing falls and fall-related injuries. |
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Do you have any news on Fall Prevention or healthy ageing that you want to share with others on the network, or report on a project that is happening in your area. We also welcome suggestions for articles and information you would like to see in this newsletter. Send your news and suggestions to: fallsnetwork@neura.edu.au
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Contact Us: Telephone +61 2 9399 1063 Email fallsnetwork@neura.edu.au
Our mailing address is:
NSW Fall Prevention Network and Healthy Ageing Network
Neuroscience Research Australia
PO Box 1165
Randwick NSW 2031
Copyright © NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network |
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