Immobility, Instability and Fall Prevention

Question 1

what are the 4 stages of falling

Answer 1

1. initiation, mvmt of body com outside base
2. failure of recovery systems (reflexes b lacking)
3. Impact
4. After the fall side effects

Question 2

What are the 3 types of falls

Answer 2

1. Accidental
2. Anticipated physiological- correlated w known risk factors (dementia etc)
3. Unanticipated physiological- correlated w unknown risk like stroke, seizure

Question 3

Who is at risk for a fall

Answer 3

Older adults
Females
alcohol/substance abuse
underlying med condition
med side effects
poor mobility/cognition etc

Question 4

Where/when do most falls happen

Answer 4

most w normal walking

most occur in bathroom/bedroom

Question 5

What are the SPLAT questions w falls

Answer 5

Symptoms
Prior falls
location
activity
time of day

Question 6

what is the # 1 reason for injury related death/hospitalization and er visits

Answer 6

falls

20% of cost of injury in canada

Question 7

What does fear of falling cause

Answer 7

leads to decrease in social and physical activity because they are afraid of falling (20-60% have this fear)

Question 8

Is pain linked w falling

Answer 8

jt pain is linked w falling

people w pain in one lower jt/knee/hip had 53% more chance of falling

(2 jts had 74% higher chance)

Question 9

what are some gait changes w aging

Answer 9

• stance and gait base is widened
• bipedal floor contact is prolonged
• step length will shorten and feet are not lifted as high during the swing phase

Question 10

How is the dynamic gait index test measured

Answer 10

each item is scored 0-3 (0 being severe impairment)

best score is 24`

Question 11

What is the ABCs scale

Answer 11

a structured questionnaire that measures an imdv confidence in performingactivities without losing balance

(instructed to imagine how confident they would be in that activity)

Question 12

what does <50%, 50-80%, > 80% indicate on the ABC scale

Answer 12

<50= low level of physical functioning
50-80= mod level of physical functioning
>80= high lvl of physical functioning

Question 13

what is the functional reach test used for

Answer 13

ascerning dynamic balance (keep moving away from wall

Question 14

Scoring of functional reach test

Answer 14

>10cm= low risk of fall
6-10= 2x greater risk
<6= 4x greater 
unwilling= 8x greater risk

Question 15

what are the 4 main tests to test balance

Answer 15

step test
timed get up and go
functional reach
timed static stance

Question 16

extrinsic factors to help w fall prevention

Answer 16

keep space aid
grad bars suupports
lighting
rearrange iems
non slip matds

Question 17

intrinsic factors of fall prevention

Answer 17

physical activity
checking vision and hearing
review meds
sleep hygienee
limiting alcohol 
wear proper footwear