Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Meridee Danks

Keywords

Accidental Falls -- prevention & control; Aged; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors

Abstract

Background: One-third of all adults over the age of 65 years of age falls each year. Falls cost patients financially, physically, and emotionally. Balance and strength deficits contribute to increasing an individual's fall risk. Studies have shown the efficiency of community-based exercise and education programs on reducing the risk of falling.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether participants in Stepping On experienced an improvement in balance and confidence following completion of the program. The study also evaluated the correlation between self-perceived risk of falling on the CDC Fall Risk Survey and their actual risk of falling determined by comparing their score on the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30sCST) to age-related normative data.

Methods: Three participants were recruited from a local Stepping On program. Baseline date was received through a series of surveys and questionnaires collected during Weeks I and 7. Balance assessments (30sCST, Timed Up and Go Test, the 4-Stage Balance Test, and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale) were also performed during the Week 1 and Week 7 sessions.

Results: Participants' scores on the 30-Second Chair Stand Test will be compared to normative data provided by the CDC. The CDC Fall Risk Survey will be scored and compared to a score determined by the CDC to indicate risk of falling.

Conclusion: The 30-Second Chair Stand Test is a quick, easy, and effective method to measure an older person's risk of falling. The CDC Fall Risk Survey combines participant confidence and functional activity and is a valuable tool to assess risk of falling.

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