FALL PREVENTION AND MAINTENANCE OF FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN OLDER ADULTS: A GERONTOLOGICAL APPROACH

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging is associated with physiological and functional changes that may compromise balance, muscle strength, mobility, and independence among older adults. In this context, falls represent an important health problem and may result in injuries, functional limitations, loss of autonomy, and reduced quality of life. Physical therapy plays an important role in preventing these events through strategies aimed at maintaining functional capacity.Objective: To analyze the contribution of physical therapy to fall prevention and maintenance of functional capacity in older adults from a gerontological perspective.Methods: This is a narrative literature review with a qualitative and descriptive approach, based on studies published between 2020 and 2026. The PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases were consulted using descriptors related to older adults, aging, falls, physical therapy, postural balance, muscle strength, functional capacity, and frailty. Studies addressing physical therapy interventions aimed at fall prevention and maintenance of functional capacity were included.Results and Discussion: The analyzed studies demonstrated that physical therapy interventions based on muscle strengthening, balance training, gait training, multicomponent exercises, task-oriented training, and dual-task strategies may contribute to improvements in postural stability, mobility, and functional performance. The findings also highlighted the importance of a multifactorial approach that considers physical, cognitive, functional, and environmental factors.