Week 2 Balance and Falls Defining the Problem

Question 1

how many Americans per year fall

Answer 1

25% or 1 in 4

Question 2

how many tell the doctor

Answer 2

less than 1/2

Question 3

how many falls result in significant injury

Answer 3

1 in 5

Question 4

what is the most common cause of TBI

Answer 4

falls

Question 5

what is the leading cause of fatal injury in older adults

Answer 5

falls

Question 6

how many people per year are hospitalized with hip fractures per year

Answer 6

300,000+

Question 7

TF: this problem is getting better, and we are getting less older people

Answer 7

no! we expect to see more older people and therefore more falls

Question 8

TF: falling is not expense

Answer 8

false, it is very expensive at 50 billion dollars. and preventable.

Question 9

definition of a fall

Answer 9

inadvertently coming to rest on the ground floor or lower level, excluding intentional change in position to rest on furniture, wall of other object.

Question 10

what is a near fall

Answer 10

slip, trip, stumble, loss of balance with recovery and remaining upright

Question 11

what are some consequences of falling with regard to injury

Answer 11

injury and death from hip wrist compression fractures, and head trauma, TBI and bruises, contusions and lacerations

Question 12

what are some psychosocial consequences

Answer 12

fear, anxiety and isolation and depression

Question 13

what is the cycle of fear of falling

Answer 13

fear leads to restricted activity, leads to capabilities being reduced, and restricts more activities, and more impaired physical capabilities. deconditioned and decreased strength and endurance.

Question 14

what are intrinsic risk factors

Answer 14

medical and neuropsychiatric conditions
impaired hearing and vision
age related changes in neuromuscular function and gait and postural reflexes.

Question 15

what are some extrinsic risk factors

Answer 15

meds, improper prescription of AD, enviro hazards.

Question 16

can intrinsic and extrinsic factors be modified

Answer 16

yes

Question 17

what are some age related and biological risk factors of falling

Answer 17

medical conditions 
meds
sensory change in vision and hearing 
balance and gait issues 
weakness
mobility issues 
cognitive issues 
dementia 
fear

Question 18

what are some environmental things

Answer 18

clutter, poor lighting, lack handrails, flow are wet 
throw rugs 
stairs don't have lights and rails 
hard to reach items, 
obstacles in path

Question 19

behavioral and cognitive issues

Answer 19

focus and distraction 
lack exercise
improper footwear
alcohol use
nutrition and hydration and 
risk taking

Question 20

what are some community things

Answer 20

buildings, sidewalks, handrails, laws, social policies