Gait and balance in the aging population: Fall prevention using innovation and technology. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khanuja, Kavisha; Joki, Jaclyn; Bachmann, Gloria; Cuccurullo, Sara
• Is Part Of: Maturitas. Volume 110(2018)
• Page Start: 51
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Gait -- Balance disorders -- Falls prevention -- Quality of life -- Elderly -- Technology -- Rehabilitation; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Middle Aged -- Periodicals; Climatère -- Périodiques; Ménopause -- Périodiques; Climacterium; Climacteric; Menopause; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 612.66
• DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.01.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-5122

Abstract

Highlights: Three tiers of fall prevention include assessment, prevention, and intervention. Programs such as yoga, tai chi, and exergaming can prevent falls in older adults. Robotic devices and smarts phones may improve gait and balance in the elderly. Abstract: On a global basis, adults 65 years of age and older experience falls more frequently than younger individuals, and these often result in severe injuries as well as increased healthcare costs. Gait and balance disorders in this population are among the most common causes of falls and negatively influence quality of life and survivorship. Although falls are a major public health problem and guidelines/recommendations are available to physicians, many are fully aware of different assessments, tools, and resources available for intervention. Given the risk for potentially devastating outcomes if severe injuries occur secondary to a fall, fall prevention strategies in clinical offices is a timely consideration in today's health care landscape. This paper presents a three-tier model, comprising assessment, prevention, and intervention, to highlight methods, proactive programs, and innovative tools and technology that have been developed for fall prevention. Awareness of these resources will enhance the clinician's ability to accurately assess balance and gait, which can improve physical function, and decrease the risk of falls for both average-risk and high-risk older adults.