VCSST 11x17_Fall Risk Prevention & Balance Training

Life-Changing Benefits of FALL RISK PREVENTION & BALANCE TRAINING by Dr. Jamie Coon, PT, DPT Various risk factors make older adults more susceptible to falls. Some of these risk factors include visual deficits, sensation deficits, vitamin deficiencies, polypharmacy, joint replacements, and generalized lower extremity weakness. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every four adults over the age of 65 fall each year, while less than half report falls to their doctor. These numbers are staggering considering your risk for falls can be substantially reduced by addressing risk factors early. Physical therapy can have a significant role in reducing your risk of falls while also providing strategies to remain safe and independent in the most unpredictable environments. The impact of falls can cause a cascade effect not only for the adult, but also for the family members/caregivers and the overall health care system. It was estimated that approximately 95% of hip fractures are the result of falls. Falls are also the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries and concussions in older adults. Additional injuries such as broken bones, bruises, and a debilitating fear of future falls can also substantially limit movement and quality of life. Physical therapy can provide a safe environment in which adults can gain confidence, improve their coordination and return to their prior level of activity. Aging in Place Addressing balance impairments in adults can also help to promote the concept of aging in place. This idea came about as a result of the Baby Boomer generation pushing back against the norm to transition to nursing home or assisted living care. This transition has encouraged adults to plan ahead for aging and make the necessary preparations to reduce risk of falls and promote independent living for as long as safely possible. Pleaseseewww.aginginplace.org formore informationon thisgrowing trend. Benefits of Fall Risk Prevention/Balance Training • Improved quality of life to do the things you love! • Reduced risk and fear of future falls. • Promoted aging in place. • Increased independence at home and community. • Gained confidence to navigate indoor and outdoor surfaces. • Improved walking speed. Our skilled therapists at VCSST can perform a thorough assessment of what risk factors may be impeding your safety with daily tasks. Some of these tasks may include standing on one foot, picking objects off the floor, or rising from a chair without the use of your arms. Balance assessments can range from basic day to day tasks to high level assessments that target coordination, inclined surfaces and unexpected movements. Formal assessments may include:

• Functional Gait Assessment • Timed Up and Go • Mini-BESTest

What to Expect When Being Treated for Balance Impairments In order to truly effect the bodily systems involved in balance (visual, vestibular, and somatosensory), our systems must be challenged in isolation as well as in conjunction with one another. Your physical therapist will likely ask you to perform tasks with your eyes closed or while standing on unsteady surfaces. He/she may also ask you to perform cognitive tasks while completing challenging activities. Although these may feel like unlikely and unrealistic daily activities, your therapist is simply challenging your ability to multi-task in a variety of situations so that you can feel confident to tackle any situation. Once you have become safe with balance tasks, your therapist may also provide you with a home exercise program to further facilitate balance training at home. Fear of Falling A fear of falling is defined as a natural fear or anxiety surrounding the potential for falls. This phenomenon can occur in adults with or without a history of falls. Developing a fear of falling can have a significant impact on the health and independence of an adult. Although developing a fear of falling is a natural response to what some adults may consider a dangerous task, the overall effect can have significant consequences. In many cases, this psychosocial component can lead to avoidance of social and functional tasks, decreased quality of life and increased disability. Conversely, there can be just argument to say that some adults with impulsive behaviors may benefit from a more cautious approach to balance related tasks. Tips for Reducing Risk of Falls at Home • Ensure proper lighting throughout rooms and hallways (even at night). • Make a clear path between furniture. • Avoid “furniture walking” (using furniture to stabilize yourself). • Remove throw rugs or use double sided tape to ensure non-slip surface. • Remove lose electrical cords that may be obstructing pathways. • Ensure handrails are securely fastened. • Consider use of non-slip surfaces in shower/bathroom. • Wear shoes both inside and outside the home. Dr. Jamie Coon, PT, DPT graduated with honors from James Madison University, with a Bachelor of Science degree and a minor in Gerontology. Following her undergraduate studies, she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree fromMary Baldwin University. Jamie is local to the Midlothian area and enjoys treating across the lifespan but has a special interest in working with older adults and runners of all ages.

• Berg Balance Scale • Tinetti Balance Test • Dynamic Gait Index

www. vcsst .com

(804) 249-8277

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