Fall Risk Reduction through Physical Therapy in the Elderly

Abstract

The elderly represent an important segment of the total population in the world, including in our country.19,25% of the population is aged over 60, 75% of whom complain about mobility and balance disorders. The management of falls shows that 90% of nonvertebral fractures are inflicted by falling. Almost a third of the total population aged over 65 suffer from one or more falls a year.
Material and method. The trial was conducted by direct observation and tracking of the 120 cases studied during the interval May 2014 - April 2015 within SPINOF Physical Therapy Center of the Lower Danube University of Galati. Out of 20 patients, 12 male patients represented 60% and 8 female patients represented 40%. The patients come from the county of Galati as follows: 11 come from the rural areas, representing 55% and 9 come from the town, representing 45%, all of them pensioners who worked in different environments. Patients were monitored in different evolutionary stages of the above mentioned disease, they received spa, physical and kinetic treatment, specific to each locomotor disorders, to associated diseases in order to promote balance and prevent falls, according to the schedule: each patient had a specific examination record of their locomotor disease and a test of evaluating pain, disability and risk of falling. We have conducted exercises to prevent falls through relearning balance and coordination. 1. ”Tai chi” exercises to improve balance and physical stability 2. Through special exercises to prevent falls: strengthening and toning muscles, maintaining the balance, maintenance or recovery of joint mobility and recovery of a correct posture.
The present study confirms the hypothesis that kinetic treatment obviously improves the functional deficit both on the the musculoskeletal system and the disorders of the associated systems (cardio-vascular, respiratory, metabolic and nervous). Therefore, the elderly patient should be integrated into a comprehensive recovery program throughout their whole life, according to the diagnosed disability.