Role of Sensory and Acute Significant Medical Problems Causing fall in Elderly
JRCRS. 2013; 1(2): 32-35
Abstract
Background: Geriatric is an important sub specialty of physical therapy and fall is a key health issue associated with old age.
Objective: To find out the role of sensory and acute medical problems causing fall in elderly population of Pakistan.
Materials and methods: A Cross sectional survey was conducted at Ghurki teaching trust hospital Lahore, for the period of three months from October to December 2010.Total number of people included was 100. Purposive sampling technique was used. Elders above 60 years having recent history of at least one fall were included regardless of gender. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 11.5.
Results: Out of 100 there were 83 who had vision problems, 63 % had decreased feeling and numbness or tingling in their feet, 32 % were unsure of footing and trouble on even ground or inline. There were 26% people who had flu like symptoms and 30% people had health problems that limited the activities (heart or breathing problem).
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that majority of elderly have sensory and significant medical conditions that can increase the risk of falling.
Key words: Accidental fall, Aged, sensory problems, significant health problems
