The risk of falling and sustaining a fall related injury increases with age. Evidence based fall prevention can reduce serious fall-related injuries, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and functional decline.
- 50% of persons over age 65 who fall once will fall a second time in that same year.
- Falls are the leading cause of injury and accidental death in those over the age of 85.
- In 2005, 15,800 people 65 and older died from injuries related to unintentional falls.
- About 1.8 million people 65 and older were treated in ER’s for injuries sustained from falls (CDC 2008).
Risk Factors
- Older age
- Cognitive problems
- Muscle weakness
- A history of falls
- Medical conditions such as Parkinsons, diabetes, arthritis, stroke, walking problems, fear of falling.
At MLPT we evaluate and assess the following aspects of your fall risk profile:
- History of Falls
- Medical History
- Medications
- Strength
- Gait
- Balance
- Vestibular testing
- Review your home environment for fall hazards
- Force plate balance analysis using Biodex SD and HUMAC NORM for diagnosis and treatment of fall risk and balance disorders
Based on the results of your initial evaluation your therapist will provide you with an evidence based exercise program that gradually increases in complexity by combining aspects of the following.
- Strengthening exercises
- Complex training for perception balance and strength
- Flexibility exercises
- Gait training
- Patient education safety awareness
- Transfer exercises
- Balance exercises
- Vestibular training
- Home exercise program
