Healthtech: Gero Begins Phase 2 Of Fall Training For Active Ageing In Luxembourg

Falls are among the most serious health risks for older adults. A new project called FLUX2 introduces a multi-week training programme aimed at preventing falls.

The team at not-for-profit GERO has one overarching goal: to ensure that as life expectancy increases, quality of life soars right along with it. Formed in 1989, the ASBL aims to raise awareness, inform, and empower individuals about active ageing and healthy living later in life.

“[There is a] rising necessity to invest in the ageing population, which will dramatically increase in the next few years,” said Dr Martine Hoffman, who heads GERO’s research branch. “FLUX is one project where we try to tackle this challenge, with a focus on fall prevention.” 

The first FLUX1 programme began in 2024 and focused on fall risk assessment. After promising outcomes from the first stage, FLUX2 continues in 2026 with the goal to implement and test training programmes. 

FLUX2 is led by GERO in partnership with LUNEX, the University of Luxembourg, and CK Fitness, and supported by Oeuvre National and the Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees.

FLUX2: Innovative fall prevention

While Luxembourg boasts among the highest life expectancy in Europe with an average of 83, a recent study revealed a strong need for improvement. 

“With respect to fall prevalence, Luxembourg is ranked fifth, so at the very top,” said Hoffman. “And with respect to mortality due to falls, we are in seventh place. That’s not good news.” 

While there is no single cause of these falls, muscle and strength is often quick to be named. But here the team points out other factors that need attention, too.

“If you’re walking down the street, you’re not only walking down the street. You’re walking while checking your environment, cars or cyclists around you,” said Prof. Dr. Thorben Hülsdünker, Professor in Performance Neuroscience and Sport Neurophysiology. “It’s always a combination of motor control and cognition.”

To address this need, FLUX2 participants undergo a 10-week training programme involving Computer-based Cognitive Training, fitness-focused Strength and Motor Skills Training, and Motor-Cognitive Training, which takes place on a diagnostic and training device known as the SKILLCOURT. The individual fall risk of participants is assessed before and after the training cycle.

For Strength and Motor Skills Training, CK Fitness has stepped in as a partner.

Operational Director Anne Kremer said, “Integrating motor-cognitive and strength training into fitness sessions is an important next step in fall prevention because research suggests that these approaches can improve both physical abilities and cognitive skills, such as reaction time and coordination.”

Meanwhile on the 4-by-4 metre SKILLCOURT, participants are given a series of tasks to complete. 

“You have these dual-task exercises where the brain as well as the body is involved,” said Hoffman. “The SKILLCOURT makes it possible then to evaluate how well or accurately this [motor-cognitive] interaction is working.”

Toward a fall-free future

After participants complete the 10-month programme, a 12-month followup is scheduled to measure any success or changes participants have made. 

“Each training has some impact, but we would like to know which one is the best, or if any one of the three is the best,” Hoffman said. 

Ultimately, the goal is to draw practical recommendations and develop an innovative fall prevention system.  

“My wish is that this project really helps to improve fall prevention in Luxembourg, and that we can share our knowledge and training, making it accessible to the whole country and the larger population.”

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