Internal validity | Scoring |
 1. Study design | A positive point was assigned if the following aspects were considered: 1 Number of falls as an outcome measure 2 Number of fallers as an outcome measure 3 Healthy and not frail elderly 4 Follow-up period ≥ 6 months 5 Control group |
 2. Methods | A positive point was assigned if the following aspects were considered: |
  2.1 Quantification of fall incidence | A Criteria for the definition of a fall were provided and applied B Monthly returned fall diaries (i.e., fall calendar) C Reminder calls by the examiners to avoid forgetting reporting a fall [118,119,120] D Objective fall rate measurement as using sensor-based instruments (inertial sensors for daily life detection of falls) [121,122,123,124] |
  2.2 Intervention | A Physical form of exercise intervention B Group training under therapist supervision C Exercise material guidance for home training (only relevant for home training) D Controlling home visits by therapists for home training (only relevant for home training) E Duration of the intervention ≥ 4 weeks F At least two times per week [127, 128] G Session duration ≥ 15 min [127, 128] H Reporting compliance to the training (> 80%) |
 3. Cofactors | A positive point was assigned if the following aspects regarding the participants were considered: A Fall history in the previous 6 months or 1 year B Activity profile during follow-up C Influence of health status (diseases, medications) D Influence of cognitive ability |
Statistical validity | Scoring |
 4. Statistical tests | A positive point was assigned if appropriate statistical tests were used |
 5. Power analysis | A positive point was assigned if the sample size was calculated based on an a priori power analysis |
External validity | Scoring |
 6. Eligibility of sample and variables | A positive point was assigned if the intervention included as follows: 1 A representative sample 2 Appropriate report of the outcome variables |
 7. Description of the experimental protocol | A positive point was assigned if the following criteria were reported as follows: 1 Type of physical exercise intervention 2 Exercise descriptions and loading characteristics (e.g., intensity) 3 Intervention duration in weeks, training days per week, and session duration |
 8. Description of the participant sample | A positive point was assigned if the following criteria were reported as follows: A Age B Sex C Body height D Body mass E Activity level F Health status (medication) G Cognitive status H Fall history |