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Fall Prevention and Balance

 

Dangerous falls are common in people over 65 years of age and can result in serious injury, and even death. According to the CDC, 2.5 million older people are treated in the emergency room for fall injuries each year. The average health care costs related to falls is $35,000 per fall. Performing safe home exercises can help strengthen your lower body to reduce your overall fall risk. Always check with your health care provider before beginning a home-exercise program. A physical therapist can evaluate your balance and let you know which exercises are safe for you to perform at home.


fall prevention
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1 in every 4 older adults falls each year


Assessment

5X sit stand test

Places hands across chest and rises from a straight-back chair without arm rests, then sits back down. The time it takes to complete 5 reps is counted

Fall risk:

Need for further assessment of fall risk: ≥ 12 sec

Assessment

30-Second Chair Stand Patient places hands across chest and rises from a straight-back chair without arm rests, then sits back down. The number of full rises in 30 seconds is counted

Fall risk:

Need for further assessment of fall risk: <12 for men <10 for women

Recommended Exercise

  • Standing Marches

  • 3 and 4 way hip

  • Sidestepping

  • Single leg stance

  • Sit to stand

  • Tandem stance or tandem walking

 

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