Falls can happen for a variety of reasons: chronic deconditioning, recent injury or surgery, targeted muscle weakness, etc. In fact, 1 in 10 adults over the age of 18 are reported to have a fall in any given year in the United States.(1) While many of these falls do not result in prolonged disability, often a fall can lead to fracture, sprain, or even death. Unfortunately, the problem seems to be getting worse. In one report by the National Institute of Health, fall related TBI (traumatic brain injury) deaths increased by 17% between 2008-2017.(2) Thankfully, there are a few easy, at home tests that can help determine and predict likelihood of having a fall. All tests should be performed in a safe environment with assistance and under the consultation of a qualified healthcare professional.
5 Time Sit to Stand Test:
Sitting in an upright chair that is 16” high, fold hands across your chest and rise to a standing position. Repeat this motion five times as quickly as possible in a safe manner. Time the participant between the time they first rise until they return to sitting after the 5th rise. The following time and age values can be derived to determine an individual with “worse than average performance”3 and possibly an increased risk of fall.(3)
- 60-69 y.o. 4 seconds
- 70-79 y.o. 6 seconds
- 80-89 y.o. 8 seconds
Fall Risk Assessment Screening Tool (FRAST):
This is a self-questionnaire that can be used as a screen to determine overall risk of fall. Participants are provided a composite score out of a total of 30 points. Any score = 5/30 indicates need of balance review from a primary care physician or qualified health professional. A copy of the study and tool referenced can be found here.
Walking Speed:
Known as the “sixth vital sign”, walking speed is a reliable and valid measure that can help to determine disability, rehabilitation status, and functional community ambulation. A standard gait speed of 1.0 m/s has been associated with an increased risk of fall and those individuals with a slower gait speed would benefit from consultation with a qualified health professional.(4)
People view a gradual loss of balance as a normal part of the aging process. While this gradual loss may occur in many individuals, it by no means is a foregone conclusion. Balance, just like muscles, can be improved and trained with time.
While there are many reasons that balance may have been impacted, it is best to see a qualified healthcare provider to perform a thorough screening and determine the next best course of action. Call Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers of Lockport today to schedule your Free Assessment* or inquire about how Fyzical Lockport can help you!
Fyzical Lockport
16109 Farrell Rd
Lockport, IL 60441
p: (815) 306-4781
f: (815) 534-2438
*Due to federal guidelines, free assessment is not available to government sponsored insurance plans.
- Verma SK, Willetts JL, Corns HL, Marucci-Wellman HR, Lombardi DA, Courtney TK. Falls and fall-related injuries among community-dwelling adults in the United States.PLoS One 2016;11:e0150939. 10.1371/journal.pone.0150939
- Peterson A, Kegler S. Deaths from fall-related traumatic brain injury- United States 2008-2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep;2020 Mar 6; 69(9): 225–230.
- Bohannon RW. Reference values for the five-repetition sit-to-stand test; a descriptive metanalysis of data from elders. Percept Mot Skills 2006; 103(1):215-222.
- Fritz S. White paper: “walking speed: the sixth vital sign”. Journal of Geriatric Phys Ther. 2009; 32(2):1-5.