How to identify balance disorders and reduce fall risk

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doi:doi: 10.12788/jfp.0332

Applied Evidence

How to identify balance disorders and reduce fall risk

J Fam Pract. 2022 January;71(1):20-30 | doi: 10.12788/jfp.0332

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References

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All patients older than 65 years and any patient presenting with an acute fall should undergo screening for their risk of falls.

The mini balance evaluation systems test, functional gait index, and Berg Balance Scale all have normative age-graded values to predict fall risk.

CASE

Mr. J was referred for balance assessment and to a rehabilitation program. He underwent balance physiotherapy, including multifactorial balance assessment, joined a community exercise program, was fitted with hearing aids, and had his home environment optimized by an occupational therapist. (See examples of “home safety interventions” under “Preventing falls in primary care.”)

Exercise programs should be designed around an accurate functional baseline of the patient to avoid underdosed strength training.

3 months later. Mr. J says he feels stronger on his feet. His knee pain has eased, and he is more confident walking around his home. He continues to engage in exercise programs and is comfortable running errands with his spouse.

CORRESPONDENCE
Jason A. Beyea, MD, PhD, FRCSC, Division of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery, Queen’s University, 144 Brock Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 5G2; jason.beyea@queensu.ca

^a www.hopkinsmedicine.org/institute_nursing/models_tools/jhfrat_acute%20care%20original_6_22_17.pdf

^b https://content.health.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated/files/collections/policies-and-guidelines/b/b2b_1a_frat_pdf.pdf

^c www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4376110/figure/figure14/?report=objectonly

^d www.neuropt.org/docs/default-source/cpgs/core-outcome-measures/core-measure-10-meter-walk-test-(10mwt)_final.pdf?sfvrsn=c5585243_2&sfvrsn =c5585243_2

^e www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-Assessment-30Sec-508.pdf

^f www.mdapp.co/mctsib-modified-clinical-test-of-sensory-interaction-in-balance-calculator-404/

^g www.sralab.org/sites/default/files/2017-07/MiniBEST_revised_final_3_8_13.pdf

^h www.neuropt.org/docs/default-source/cpgs/core-outcome-measures/function-gait-assessment-pocket-guide-proof9-(2).pdf?sfvrsn=b4f35043_0

ⁱ www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574518/