Physiotherapy for Fall Prevention
Assessment
- Muscle Strength
- Grip strength
- Chair-stand test
- Balance
- Sitting, standing balance
- Berg Balance Scale
- Timed Up and Go test
- Transfer technique (both patient and caregivers)
- Gait: Functional Gait Assessment
Intervention
Strengthening exercise, Balance exercise, Gait training, Transfer training, Caregiver education, Walking aids prescription etc
Cochrane review in 2019:
- Exercise program involves balance, functional exercise plus resistance exercise reduces falls in older people living in the community
- Tai Chi may also prevent falls
Exercise, particularly progressive resistance exercise has been shown to be a stimulus for muscle protein synthesis, with most exercise trials demonstrating improvements in muscle strength and physical performance measure. [J Cruz,2014]
Other Treatment
- Sarcopenia programme
- Joint pain management
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Advice on home hazards
eg. walking safety on wet floor, curb or slope; appropriate walking aids such as when to use stick/ frame/ handrail.
[Home visit by a professional, eg. occupational therapist, is advised if there are obvious home modification need.]