Are You Likely to Fall?

Robert W. Griffith, MD

Older people (say over 65) are more prone to falls, and when they fall they do themselves more damage than younger folk. It can be due to age-related muscle weakness, medications, vision problems, occasional low blood pressure on standing, and poor balance. There's a simple test to see if you have a problem with balance and mobility. It's called the Timed "Up & Go" Test.

This test is a valid test of mobility for someone who can walk unassisted, but may use a cane or walker. The task is to get up out of a standard armchair (seat height approximately 18½ inches), walk a distance of 10 ft, turn, walk back to the chair and sit down again. Participants make one practice trial, and then three actual trials, with the three times averaged.

As an interpretation of mobility, results can be reckoned as follows: less than 10" = freely mobile; less than 20" = mostly independent; 20" to 29" = variable mobility; 30" or more = impaired mobility. For predicting falls, 8" to 10" is considered normal, 11" to 19" indicates moderate risk of falling, and 20" or more suggests a high risk.

There is controversy about the value of this test in clinical research, but there's no doubt that, for making a quick-and-dirty' assessment of senior's mobility and risk of falling, it's simple and easy. See for yourself, and draw the consequences, if necessary - tai chi, strength exercises, or a visit to the doctor; and, make your home 'fall-proof'.

Source
HealthandAge Blog

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