Balance is the ability of the body to respond quickly and maintain an upright posture even through unpredictable situations such as walking on uneven surfaces at night. Balance is controlled by the vestibular system. The vestibular system includes the auditory system, the Visual and proprioceptive system. These systems work together to control balance and posture awareness. Balance disturbance appears when one of these systems is not working properly.
Falls are very common in people over 65 years of age and are the main cause of serious injuries and even death in older people. Over one in three adults fall annually. In addition, 2.5 million older people are treated in the hospital for fall injuries every year according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the Main Causes of falls?
- Unsteady Gait
- Cognitive Impairments
- History of Previous Falls
- Visual Impairments
- Medications
- Normal Aging
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Urinary Incontinence
Physical Therapy prevent falls in older adults with a combination of exercises that include gait training, balance, strengthening, functional exercises, and education.