How is the need for fall prevention measured?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Accurately identifying people that need a fall prevention intervention is a challenge.[1] It’s recommended that the risk for falls be determined by asking people whether they’ve fallen in the past, whether they are afraid of falling, or whether they experience gait and/or balance difficulties. People who may be at risk for falls can have their gait and balance measured with the [https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/TUG_test-print.pdf](Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Other less-commonly-used assessments include the Berg Balance Scale and the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment Tool.[2]

    References

    1. ^Lusardi MM, Fritz S, Middleton A, Allison L, Wingood M, Phillips E, Criss M, Verma S, Osborne J, Chui KKDetermining Risk of Falls in Community Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Using Posttest Probability.J Geriatr Phys Ther.(2017)
    2. ^Montero-Odasso MM, Kamkar N, Pieruccini-Faria F, Osman A, Sarquis-Adamson Y, Close J, Hogan DB, Hunter SW, Kenny RA, Lipsitz LA, Lord SR, Madden KM, Petrovic M, Ryg J, Speechley M, Sultana M, Tan MP, van der Velde N, Verghese J, Masud T,Evaluation of Clinical Practice Guidelines on Fall Prevention and Management for Older Adults: A Systematic Review.JAMA Netw Open.(2021-Dec-01)