TY - JOUR PY - 2018// TI - Gait and balance in the aging population: fall prevention using innovation and technology JO - Maturitas A1 - Khanuja, Kavisha A1 - Joki, Jaclyn A1 - Bachmann, Gloria A1 - Cuccurullo, Sara SP - 51 EP - 56 VL - 110 IS - N2 - On a global basis, adults 65 years of age and older experience falls more frequently than younger individuals, and these often result in severe injuries as well as increased healthcare costs. Gait and balance disorders in this population are among the most common causes of falls and negatively influence quality of life and survivorship. Although falls are a major public health problem and guidelines/recommendations are available to physicians, many are fully aware of different assessments, tools, and resources available for intervention. Given the risk for potentially devastating outcomes if severe injuries occur secondary to a fall, fall prevention strategies in clinical offices is a timely consideration in today's health care landscape. This paper presents a three-tier model, comprising assessment, prevention, and intervention, to highlight methods, proactive programs, and innovative tools and technology that have been developed for fall prevention. Awareness of these resources will enhance the clinician's ability to accurately assess balance and gait, which can improve physical function, and decrease the risk of falls for both average-risk and high-risk older adults.

Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0378-5122 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.01.021 ID - ref1 ER -