Fear Factor: Falls Prevention Edition

Fear of Falling is a common concern for older adults, and it is no wonder why. Each year, falls occur for 30% of people over 65, and 50% of people over 80 years old. And Falls are responsible for 90% of hip fractures. In reality is FoF is related to your walking pattern in very identifiable ways.

Decreased Stride Length: For individuals with an increased Fear of Falling, stride length is often reduced, in some cases less than half the length (i.e., .5 m rather than .9-1.2 m) of those without Fear of Falling.

Decreased Speed: Slowed walking speed may be a proactive re-sponse to Fear of Falling. Allowing you to see objects in front of you and re-duce the time your center of mass is between steps.

Increased Double Support: Each step you take requires you to briefly balance on one foot/leg. Increased double support means there is greater time that you are on both feet before taking a step.

It is unclear whether these are strategies people use to prevent falls (proactive), or whether they are responding to situations that might lead to falls (reactive). Regardless, these strategies DO NOT WORK to reduce your falls risk. If you have decreased stride length or stride speed, or increased double support, you are at great risk for falling & need balance rehabilitation to reduce that risk of falls.

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!”