New APTA-endorsed guidelines aimed at preventing falls in older adults recommend a multi-factorial fall risk assessment for all older adults who have had a fall, have been identified as having gait and balance problems, or report difficulties with gait or balance.
The guidelines, released by the American Geriatrics Society and the British Geriatrics Society, include a clinical algorithm that outlines recommended evaluations and interventions and emphasize the key role of evidence-based strength and balance training in effective interventions. General and specific recommendations for each point in the algorithm are included in the annotations section, which includes a brief discussion of the research supporting the recommendations. The evidence tables list the studies that were considered in making decisions regarding the level of evidence for each recommendation.
If you have a fear of falling or have had several falls in the last year, call ECRC Physical Therapy for further help.
