Narrative review: martial arts-derived training for fall and injury prevention in older adults
This narrative review analysed reports on boxing, judo, aikido, tai chi and self-defence programs for older adults and suggests such adapted training may support postural stability and other fall risk factors; it calls for multicentre randomized trials with long-term follow-up. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The review analysed reports on programs with boxing, judo, aikido, tai chi and self-defence elements for older adults. [1]
Current evidence is said to indicate that appropriately modified martial arts-inspired interventions can positively affect postural stability and other fall risk factors. [1]
The authors call for multicentre randomized trials and long-term follow-up on falls, injuries, hospitalizations and loss of independence. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Narrative review (abstract only)
- Population / context
- Older adults, as discussed in the reviewed reports on fall and injury prevention programs.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Publication status
- Preprint · peer-review status not confirmed
- Original publication
- September 24, 2026
Review aim: martial arts elements for older adults
Falls are described as among the most common causes of injury, hospitalization, disability and loss of independence in older adults. Traditional prevention programs mainly aim to reduce fall risk by improving balance, muscle strength and functional ability. This narrative review asked whether exercises derived from sports and martial arts could serve as a modern tool for supporting fall and injury prevention in older adults.
Supporting source [1]
Analysed programs and reported areas of impact
The authors analysed available reports on programs incorporating elements of boxing, judo, aikido, tai chi and self-defence exercises, with emphasis on dynamic balance training, postural control, cognitive-motor skills and fall safety education. They report that current evidence indicates appropriately modified martial arts-inspired interventions can positively affect postural stability, functional ability, coordination, reaction time and dual-task performance, which are described as significant fall risk factors. Particular attention was paid to teaching safe falling to develop movement patterns that reduce susceptibility to injury on contact with the ground.
Supporting source [1]
INNOAGON model and need for randomized trials
The INNOAGON (Innovative Agonology) model was discussed as a concept integrating primary, secondary and tertiary prevention through motor, cognitive and behavioural interventions. The analyses suggest that physical activity based on appropriately adapted combat sport elements can be a valuable complement to contemporary healthy aging programs. At the same time, the authors state a need for multicentre randomized trials and long-term follow-up to assess effects on the incidence of falls, injuries, hospitalizations and loss of functional independence.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
This is a narrative review of available reports, not a new trial; the abstract reports no sample sizes, follow-up durations or pooled effect estimates. The suggested benefits for fall risk factors and the proposed INNOAGON model are not established reductions in falls, injuries or hospitalizations; the authors themselves call for multicentre randomized trials with long-term follow-up. Only the abstract was reviewed; the full text was not reviewed.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Kruszewski A, Gąsienica Walczak B, Boguszewski D, Pałka A, Tabęcki R. · europepmc.org · September 24, 2026