@article{ref1,
title="Utilization of safe fall landing strategies in physical therapist management of  geriatric populations: a case report",
journal="Physical therapy",
year="2020",
author="Kinney, S. G. and Kiesel, J. D.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: Safe fall landing strategies (SFLS) have shown promise to decrease injury  during falls but have been examined primarily in young, healthy populations. There  is emerging evidence to suggest SFLS can be safe and effective for a geriatric  population; however, this intervention has not been examined in a clinical physical  therapist practice setting. This case study seeks to determine how SFLS can be  incorporated into a physical therapy program with a geriatric population. <br><br>METHODS  (CASE DESCRIPTION): A 77-year-old woman reported imbalance and inability to return  to her previous active lifestyle. Multiple SFLS were implemented during the course  of physical therapist management. Controlled fall heights were gradually progressed  over the course of therapy. OUTCOMES: Gains in Patient Specific Functional Scale  score (initial score = 2.5, discharge score = 8), static balance, and ability to  perform floor-to-waist lifting were seen following physical therapist intervention  that included SFLS. The patient was able to perform a back fall and a front fall  from a standing position and reported no adverse side effects throughout the course  of physical therapy care. <br><br>DISCUSSION: This case report demonstrates how SFLS were  safely and pragmatically progressed for one patient in a clinical physical therapy  setting. SFLS may have the potential to improve patient outcomes and even decrease  the risks associated with falls, though further evaluation is needed. IMPACT: This  case report introduces SFLS as an emerging intervention in the clinical physical  therapist practice setting. This case report should encourage future research needed  to assess the effectiveness and safety of this treatment strategy in physical  therapy.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0031-9023",
doi="10.1093/ptj/pzaa226",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzaa226"
}