From Fall Prevention to Injury Prevention: The Role of Martial Arts-Derived Training in Older Adults—A Narrative Review

Abstract

Falls are among the most common causes of injury, hospitalization, disability, and loss of independence in older adults. Traditional prevention programs focus primarily on reducing fall risk by improving balance, muscle strength, and functional ability, significantly reducing the health consequences of unavoidable falls. The aim of this narrative review is to assess the potential of exercises derived from sports and martial arts as a modern tool for supporting the prevention of falls and injuries in older adults. Available reports on programs incorporating elements of boxing, judo, aikido, tai chi, and self-defence exercises were analysed, with a particular emphasis on dynamic balance training, postural control, cognitive-motor skills, and fall safety education. Current evidence indicates that appropriately modified interventions inspired by martial arts can positively impact postural stability, functional ability, coordination, reaction time, and dual-task performance, which are significant risk factors for falls in older adults. Particular attention was paid to the concept of teaching safe falling, which aims to develop movement patterns that reduce susceptibility to injury during contact with the ground. The INNOAGON (Innovative Agonology) model was also discussed as a concept integrating primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention through motor, cognitive, and behavioural interventions. The results of the analyses suggest that physical activity based on appropriately adapted elements of combat sports can be a valuable complement to contemporary healthy aging programs. Simultaneously, there is a need for multicentre randomized trials and long-term follow-up to assess the impact of such interventions on the incidence of falls, injuries, hospitalizations, and loss of functional independence.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Applied Sciences, 2026 · DOI ↗