Physiotherapy for Fall Prevention

Assessment

1. Muscle Strength
   • Grip strength
   • Chair-stand test
2. Balance
   • Sitting, standing balance
   • Berg Balance Scale
   • Timed Up and Go test
3. Transfer technique (both patient and caregivers)
4. 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 program
• 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.]