# Not All Balance Training Is Equal: Which Exercises Work Best After 60

*Exercise modalities for overall and domain-specific balance performance in older adults: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.*

- **Evidence Level**: Strong
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article, Review
- **Journal**: Ageing research reviews
- **Sample Size**: 423 trials, 33,901 adults aged 60+
- **Authors**: Wang J, Guo S, Yang Y, Liang Y, Guo C, Cheng Y, Li Y, Qiu B, Ma S, Chen P, Zhuang J
- **Published**: 2026-08-14
- **Topics**: exercise, balance, fall prevention
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2026.103303
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42600321/

## Summary

Looking at hundreds of trials in adults over 60, nearly every type of exercise improved balance. The biggest effects came from perturbation training (practicing recovery from sudden pushes or trips), sensory training, dance, and quick stepping drills. Tai Chi stood out for general balance and Pilates for balance while moving. Plain stretching showed no clear benefit, and the researchers stress these rankings don't prove one method beats another.

## Practical Takeaway

This review suggests picking balance exercises that match the specific skill you want to improve.

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_Canonical: https://usa-longevity.com/en/research/not-all-balance-training-is-equal-which-exercises-work-best-after-60 · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-08-14_