Säkra steg ‑ training with app for safety during outdoor activities
The Säkra steg (Safe Steps) app, which has been developed at Umeå University together with older people, provides support for balance training and leg strength exercises. Studies show that the app helps reduce the risk of falls.
"In the studies we have now conducted, about 1000 people have used Säkra steg. We can now see that the proportion of people who fell was lower among those who exercised with the app, compared to a control group. This suggests that Säkra steg can act as an early preventive measure that can offer support for exercise and reduce the risk of falls among older people," says Marlene Sandlund, Associate Professor of Physiotherapy at Umeå University.
Can make things easier for many
Through the project Accessible natural environments to promote active and healthy ageing, we see that many older people reduce their involvement in outdoor activities, partly because they do not feel that their physical capacity is sufficient. Magnus Zingmark, researcher in Östersund municipality and senior lecturer in occupational therapy at Umeå University, highlights Säkra steg as a good example of an innovative service that can make it easier for many people to train strength and balance. This, in turn, can help more people to continue with the outdoor activities they want.
Magnus Zingmark, researcher.
"In the project, we have highlighted that accessible outdoor environments can very concretely 'lower the threshold' for outdoor activities, and also that different actors can promote outdoor activities through the range of activities. But it is also important to exercise to maintain a physical capacity that is sufficient for the activities you want to do. Säkra steg can be a support along the way that can be advantageously combined with other training," says Magnus Zingmark.
Easy to use – Easy to get started
Säkra steg is available as an app that can be used on a computer, smartphone or tablet. To get started with Säkra steg, visit the sakrasteg.se website for information about how the app works and the studies that have been conducted. Säkra steg is freely available and available where apps can be downloaded such as Google Play or the App Store.