Reducing Falls

People of all age groups experience ground level falls, but in the older population, aged 65 or above, a fall can lead to a serious injury and long-term disability. Multiple factors can cause falls, and it is believed that a complex interaction between postural responses, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiopulmonary systems, balance, sensory activity, and environmental factors increases susceptibility to falls. This course will provide a brief overview of the causes of falls, steps to assess risks for falls, and the mechanics of ambulation.