Assess Your Risk of Falling in 60 Seconds
Each year, falls occur for 30% of people over 65, and 50% of people over 80 years old. A narrow base of support has been shown a good test of falls risk.1 Here are 3 quick tests that can be con-ducted in 60 seconds to assess your risk of falling.
1. Eyes Open: Starting in a location free from hazards, stand in a Tandem stance. Place one foot directly in front of the other, with the toe of your back foot touching the heel of your front foot. Stay like this for 20 seconds.
2. Eyes Closed: Starting in a location free from hazards, stand in a Tan-dem stance. This time close your eyes. Stay like this for 20 sec.
3. Eyes Open, on Foam: Starting in a location free from hazards, stand in a Tandem stance on a piece of foam (the foam provides a less stable surface). Keep your eyes open. Stay like this for 20 sec.
If you cannot stand for 20 seconds in each condition, you are at great risk for falling. Seek a referral for Balance Rehabilitation, today!
BONUS. Single Leg Stance: If you can stand for 20 sec you’re doing well; repeat these tests on one leg. This more closely mimics walk-ing, which is when many people are at the greatest risk of falling.
Ready to stop falling? FYZICAL is the only Level III Balance Rehabilitation Clinic in Oklahoma City.
Submitted by Dr. Lauren Collier Peterson, PT, DPT
Clinical Director FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers of Oklahoma City
Dr. Peterson and her staff provide Physical Therapy for patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, imbalance and falls risk, & orthopedic injuries in OKC.
She has treated hundreds of men and women with pelvic floor issues ranging from incontinence and constipation to pain and prolapse. While she has a particular clinical interest in pelvic pain disorders, she wants everyone to enjoy good pelvic health and to know that “Leaks are not normal!”
1Melzer, et al. (2004). Postural stability in the elderly: A comparison between fallers and non-fallers. Age and Aging, 6, 602-607.