Falls

DEFINITION OF A FALL

Fall: An unexpected event in which the participants come to rest on the ground, floor, or lower level. (Lamb, et al 2005)

 

FEAR OF FALLING (FOF) RISK FACTORS

· Fair or poor perceived general health

· Feeling unsteady

· Having 2 or more falls (Lach, 2005)

 

POTENTIAL FACTORS FOR FALLING

· Decreased muscle strength

· Decreased joint motion

· Decreased mobility

· Gait deficit

· Balance deficit

· Hearing deficit

· Visual deficit

· Neurological deficit

· Foot abnormalities

· Pain

· History of Falls

· Use of alcohol & medication

· Use of assistive device

 

REFERENCES

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Shumway-Cook A, Brauer S, Woolacott, M. Predicting the probability for falls in community-dwelling older adults using the timed up & go test. PTJ. Vol. 80, number 9, September 2000: 896-903.

 

            Whitney SL, Marchetti GF, Morris LO, Sparto PJ. The reliability and validity of the Four Square Step Test for people with balance deficits secondary to a vestibular disorder. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2007; 88: 99-104.

 

            Staples WH. The four square step test. Gerinotes, vol.18, no. 3, 2001: 15-16.

 

            Hess RJ, Brach JS, Piva SR, VanSwearingen JM. Walking skill can be assessed in older adults: validity of the figure-of-8 walk test. PTJ. Vol 90, number 1, 2010: 89-99.