balance problems in the geriatric patient · balance problems in the geriatric patient dennis e....

TOPICS IN INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CARE [ISSN 2158-4222] – VOL 2(1) March 30, 2011

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Grand Rounds

Balance Problems in the Geriatric Patient Dennis E. Enix, DC, MBA1*; Joseph H. Flaherty, MD2; Kasey Sudkamp, PT, DPT3; Jessica Schulz, OT, MOTR/L4 Address:

1Assistant Professor, Logan College of Chiropractic, Research Division, Chesterfield, MO, USA;

2Associate

Professor of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine & Division of Geriatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA;

3Logan College of Chiropractic, Chesterfield, MO, USA;

4 SSM Rehabilitation Hospital,

St. Louis, MO, USAR Email: Dennis E. Enix, DC, MBA

* - [email protected]

* Corresponding Author

Topics in Integrative Health Care 2011, Vol. 2(1) ID: 2.1002 Published on March 30, 2011 | Link to Document on the Web

Abstract

Balance problems and falls are common among the elderly and are a leading cause of institutionalization

in this group. Low back pain (LBP) is the most frequently reported musculoskeletal condition in the

elderly and is a leading comorbid factor directly linked to the incidence of falls. Balance disorders in the

geriatric population are often a multifactorial condition. While there is not a single solution to postural

control problems, there is evidence that the most effective treatment strategies for balance disorders

consist of a multimodal approach including a re-evaluation of medications, manual therapy, exercise,

and behavioral modification programs. This case report describes an interdisciplinary approach to the

diagnosis and management of an 85 year old woman with balance problems.

Introduction

Balance problems and falls are common among the elderly and are a leading cause of institutionalization

in this group that result in over five million patient outpatient visits per year. It is estimated that

between 28% and 35% of individuals over age 65 fall each year, with a fifth of those requiring medical

attention.1 The number of fallers increases to over 40% for those 75 and older.1 A history of falling is

also a robust predictor of morbidity among the elderly.2,3

Low back pain (LBP) is the most frequently reported musculoskeletal condition in the elderly, with a

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prevalence ranging from 19.7% in people over the age of 65, to as high as 40 % for individuals over

75.1,2,4 LBP is a leading comorbid factor directly linked to the incidence of falls in the elderly and is

sharply on the rise; LBP prevalence has increased in the last fourteen years from 3.9% to 10.2%.4,5 LBP in

the elderly can involve a wide range of possible diagnoses and co-morbidities, including a high incidence

of malignant or visceral causes and therefore necessitate a close review of systems in addition to the

usual musculoskeletal examination.5,6

Balance disorders in the geriatric population are often a multifactorial condition. Weakness in the core

stabilizing muscles, altered muscle activation patterns, loss of proprioception, and an inability to control

normal postural sway can all result in decreased balance in the elderly.7,8 A decrease in physiological

reserves as we age, limits the ability to react quickly to perturbations. While there is not a single

solution to postural control problems, there is evidence that the most effective treatment strategies for

balance disorders consist of a multimodal approach including a re-evaluation of medications, manual

therapy, exercise, and behavioral modification programs.7,9 This case report describes an

interdisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of an 85 year old woman with balance

problems.

History

An 85 year old Caucasian woman with a history of balance problems presented to an outpatient clinic

for evaluation and treatment. This patient’s previous medical history included chronic obstructive

pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. Her past surgical

history included a total hip arthroplasty (THA) to repair a fractured right femur as the result of a fall in

2004. She also had an open reduction internal fixation of a fracture of her right humerus as a result of a

fall in 2006. She wears an orthotic in her right shoe to accommodate a post-surgical leg length

discrepancy and complains of right foot and leg pain when walking long distances. She has had periodic

transient episodes of mild low back pain which she reports as worse in the morning. Her current

medications include Spiriva (PRN), Trazodone (50 mg qd), Loratadine (10 mg qd), Benzonatate (100mg

qd), Benicar/HCTZ (40/25 mg qd), and Aleve (220 mg PRN).

She lives in an independent living center and is ambulatory with a cane. She voiced concerns about her

steadiness and reported a significant fear of falling again. She denies smoking or alcohol use and reports

a sedentary lifestyle. She drives, but limits her trips to grocery shopping and medical appointments.

She was treated by a physical therapist for 4 weeks following her THA in 2004.

Physical Examination and Diagnostic Test Results

This patient’s vital signs were the following: BP 134/64, pulse 72 bpm, weight 134 lbs, height 66”,

Temperature 97.6° F. Her Achilles tendon reflexes were 1+ bilaterally; patellar reflexes were 1+ on the


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right and 2+ on the left. Dermatomes and myotomes were intact. There was no evidence of

neurological involvement, ataxia, or vestibular problems. There was a 2.0 cm actual leg length

discrepancy on the right. There were bilateral hamstring and piriformis adaptive shortening. Manual

muscle testing revealed 3+/5 in the gluteus medius, 4+/5 in the quadriceps; 4/5 in the iliopsoas, tibialis

anterior, adductors and gluteus maximus muscles bilaterally. Previous MRI’s showed moderate diffuse

degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine.

Several balance tests were performed with the following results: Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility

Assessment 16/24 (high fall risk), Berg balance test 37/56 (medium fall risk), and the Timed up and Go

Test required 17.23 seconds (below normal functional independence and high fall risk).

Two computerized balance tests were performed on the NeuroCom Balance Master device including the

Limits of Stability Test (LOS) and the Clinical Test for Sensory Integration of Balance (CTSIB). On the

Limits of Stability Test (LOS), the patient scored below the age adjusted norms for endpoint and max

excursions in the forward, left, and right directions along with exhibiting decreased reaction times and

directional control. In the CTSIB test, the patient scored below the age adjusted norms on the firm

surface with her eyes closed and on the foam surface with both eyes open and eyes closed.

The patient also completed several standardized subjective reports including the following: Tampa Scale

for Kinesiophobia 38/68, Visual analogue scale 2/10, Falls Efficacy Scale 60/100 (moderate fear of

falling), and Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire 28/50. The SF-36 health questionnaire scored a

31.1/100 and 52.8/100 on physical and mental health categories respectively. This demonstrated a

below average functional health personal assessment while the mental portion was within the normal

score set.

Diagnosis

1. Balance deficits

2. Gait abnormality

3. Diffuse degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine.

Treatment

As discussed earlier, balance problems are often a multifactorial in nature, lacking a single underlying

pathology. Many studies have shown the merit to a team approach when treating individuals with

balance problems.10 An ideal plan of care for this patient should address as many of the contributing

factors as possible. Therefore, treatment options for this patient are discussed from the standpoint of a

chiropractor, a medical physician, a physical therapist and an occupational therapist.


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Discussant 1

Dennis Enix, DC, MBA is an Assistant Professor at the Logan College of Chiropractic Division of

Research, and the Principal Investigator on a multidisciplinary research collaboration with the VA

Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center and the Saint Louis University Center Division of

Geriatrics. The three year HRSA funded study examines balance problems and low back pain in the

geriatric population.

This patient’s risk for falls appears to be multifactorial. Her risk for falls is influenced by her overall

posture, decreased flexibility, muscular strength, proprioception and certain medications and is further

complicated by periodic bouts of low back pain. Her high kinesiophobia scores and reported fear of

falling indicate not only a fear of movement and falling but also represent an increased psychological

risk factor for future falls. Sarcopenia and a loss of flexibility and proprioception predispose an

individual to an increased risk of falls and loss of independence. The general health status of this patient

and loss of physiological reserves significantly limits her ability to react quickly in response to small

perturbations. The ability to maintain normal balance is not only a function of the visual, vestibular, and

somatosensory systems but also requires proper sensory-motor integration. Balance testing indicates

that in addition to over or under estimating distances, this patient’s increased postural sway and

decreased reaction time puts her at further risk of falling.

Table 1. Internal and external fall risk factors and recommendations

Common problems Recommendations

Orthostatic hypotension Rise slowly after sitting

Post prandial hypotension Evaluate carbohydrate intake

Low back pain Chiropractic care/Physical Therapy

Muscle weakness Exercise, tai chi, yoga, walking

Balance problems Falls specific exam, walker, 3 point cane

Transferring to bed, toilet, couch Lower bed/raise toilet, add railings

Lighting, clutter, stairs, slippers Home inspection/Occupational therapy


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Common problems Recommendations

Medication increased fall risk Review medications, like psychotropics

Fear of falls/loss of independence Medic-Alert Pendant/bracelet

When working as part of a multispecialty group, it is important to coordinate a plan of care with the

other members of the health care team. Recognizing the strengths within areas of specialization, a

treatment plan tailored to a patient’s specific need increases outcomes (Table 1). From the perspective

of a chiropractor, I would focus on the patient’s complaints of low back pain as it relates to her postural

control problems. People with LBP have a 2-fold greater odds of falling than people without LBP.11 The

pathology of LBP and the related disequilibrium is often multifactorial, including inhibition of core

stabilizing muscles, altered muscle activation patterns, and loss of proprioception resulting in an inability

to control normal postural sway.8,12 This patient’s previous diagnosis of lumbar disc disease and

complaints of intermittent low back pain, loss of flexibility and proprioception make her a good

candidate for manipulative therapy.

In addition to increasing this patients muscle mass, we want to help restore her flexibility, which

includes not only stretching but also joint manipulation and mobilization. The goal of manual therapy

will be to increase the range of motion and joint flexibility while decreasing the patients low back pain

and nociception. Sixty percent of our balance comes from the somatosensory system. Manipulation has

been shown to create both biomechanical and neurological changes. Along with decreases in pain and

the production of substance P, manipulation has been shown to increase ranges of motion, change

functional muscle activation patterns and increase postural control in patients with LBP.13,14

Given her past surgical history of THA to repair a fractured right femur and humerus, and the resultant

post-surgical leg length discrepancy, examination of the pelvis may reveal asymmetries that would

respond well to manual therapy. Along with asymmetrical positioning of the pelvis, altered muscle firing

patterns from LBP respond well to manipulation. Manipulation of the feet and ankles in elderly adults

has also been shown to partially compensate for postural control changes by stabilizing postural sway.15

When appropriately screened for treatment with a clinical prediction rule, the benefit of manipulative

therapy increases to a 92% chance of successful outcome. The minimum number of treatments per

week needed to show a benefit at 4 weeks is 1.9.16 The cost effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation

for LBP is equivalent to standard medical and other forms of therapy including hospital outpatient

services.17 While an effective treatment and competitive from the standpoint of a cost model,

chiropractic care remains an underutilized therapy among this age cohort. There is strong evidence that

a multifactorial program of therapy is an effective treatment for LBP in older adults.17 With this


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patient’s complex past medical history and current clinical presentation, coordination of her care within

a multispecialty group ensures not only more accurate diagnosis but better outcomes.

References:

1. Blake AJ, Morgan K, Bendall MJ, Dalloso H, Ebrahim S, Arie T, et al. Falls by elderly people at home:

prevalence and associated factors. Age Ageing 1988;17:365-72.

2. Prudham D, Evans Grimley J. Factors associated with falls in the elderly: a community study. Age

Ageing 1981;10:141-6.

3. Rao SS, Prevention of falls in older patients. Am Fam Physician 2005;72: 81-8, 93-4.

4. Jacobs JJ, Andersson GBJ, Bell JE, Weinstein SL, Dormans JP, Gnatz SM, Lane N, Puzas EJ, St. Clair WE.

United States Bone & Joint Decade: The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States.

Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2008. ISBN 978-0-89203-533-5

5. Freburger JK, Holmes GM, Agans RP, Jackman AM, Darter JD, Wallace AS, Castel LD, Kalsbeek WD,

Carey TS. The rising prevalence of chronic low back pain. Arch Intern Med 2009;169(3):251-258.

6. Bressler A, Hartley B. The prevalence of low back pain in the elderly: a systematic review of the

literature. Spine 1999;24:1813-1819.

7. Barnett A, Smith B, Lord S, Williams M, Baumand A: Community-based group exercise improves

balance and reduces falls in at-risk older people: a randomized controlled trial. Age Ageing 2003;32:

407–414.

8. Sterling M, Jull G, Wright A. The effect of musculoskeletal pain on motor activity and control. J Pain

2001;2(3):135-45.

9. Chang JT, Morton SC, Rubenstein LZ, Mojica WA, Maglione M, Suttorp M Interventions for the

prevention of falls in older adults: systematic review and meta-anaylsis of randomized clinical trials. BMJ

2004;328 680- 688.

10. Dagenais S, Mayer J, Mooney V. Evidence-informed management of chronic low back pain with

lumbar extensor strengthening exercises. Spine J 2008;8:96-113.

11. Hicks GE, Gaines JM, Shardell M, Simonsick EM. Associations of back and leg pain with health status

and functional capacity of older adults: findings from the retirement community back pain study.

Arthritis Rheum 2008;59(9):1306-13.

12. Brumagne S, Cordo P, Lysens R, et al. The role of paraspinal muscle spindles in lumbosacral position

sense in individuals with and without low back pain. Spine 2000; 25:989–994.

13. Anderson R, Meeker W, Wirick B, Mootz R, Kirk D, Adams A. A meta-analysis of clinical trials of spinal

manipulation. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1992;15:181-94.

14. Sung PS, Kang YM, Pickar JG. Effect of spinal manipulation duration on low threshold

mechanoreceptors in lumbar paraspinal muscles. Spine 2004;30(1):115-22.

15. Vaillant J, Vuillerme N, Janvy A, Louis F, Braujou R, Juvin R, Nougier V. Effect of manipulation of the

feet and ankles on postural 1 control in elderly adults. Brain Res Bull 2008, 31;75(1):18-22.

16. Childs J D, Fritz J M, Flynn T W, Irrgang J, Johnson K, Majkowski G R, Delitto A. A clinical prediction

rule to identify patients with low back pain most likely to benefit from spinal manipulation: A validation

study. Ann Intern Med 2004;141:920-928.

17. Meade TW, Dyer S, Browne W, Frank AO. Randomized comparison of chiropractic and hospital


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outpatient management for low back pain: results from extended follow up. BMJ 1995;311(7001):349-

51.

Discussant 2

Joseph Flaherty, MD is a Professor of Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and the

VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center.

The outpatient clinic can be a busy place, so a targeted “check-list” type approach can help identify risk

factors for falls, and then guide intervention and treatment options in an efficient manner. To do this, I

use the mnemonic “A-G-A-I-N I’-V-E F-A-L-L-E-N” (Table 2).

Table 2. Intervention and treatment options

A Again G Gait & Balance A ADL impairment I Impaired cognition N Number and Type of Medications I’ Illness (Acute) V Vestibular function E Eyes, Ears F Feet A Alcohol L Lower extremity weakness L Low blood pressure (or OH) E Environment N Neurological

“Again” reminds me that the approach begins by realizing that a previous fall puts this patient at risk to

fall again, so I will need to spend some extra time with this patient.1 “Gait and balance” evaluation has

been done above. “ADL impairment” refers to loss of physical function to the degree that it has affected

someone’s ability to do their basic activities of daily living. If this change is recent, it can signify very high

risk for falls. One of the most common causes of ADL loss is a recent hospitalization.2 Impaired cognition

includes dementia, delirium or depression. Any of these can put an older person at risk of falls. For

further reading on these three geriatric syndromes, see these review articles by Tinetti 2003; Cigolle et


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al. 2007 and Harlein et al. 2009.3,4,5 The number and type of drugs are some of the most important risk

factors for falls. Taking >4 drugs is a risk factor by itself.6 Certain types of drugs will also increase risk. In

a meta-analysis of 40 observational studies comparing fallers to non-fallers, the following psychotropic

medications had increased odds ratio [(OR) (95% confidence interval)]: any psychotropic use [1.73 (1.52-

1.97)], neuroleptics [1.66 (1.38-2.00)], sedative/hypnotics [1.54 (1.40-1.70)], any antidepressant [1.66

(1.4-1.95)], benzodiazepines [1.48(1.23-1.77)].7

“Illness” indicates that acute as well as subtle illness can contribute to risk for falls. For example,

someone with a mild anemia might continue to drop their blood count over time so slowly that the first

symptom might be weakness and a fall.3 The fall might be what brings them to the emergency room.

Vestibular function changes with age. There may be an age-related decline in balance due to

accumulation of minute calciferous granules within the stratoconic membrane, which could lead to

vestibular dysfunction.3 Impaired vision, more so than impaired hearing, contribute to risk of falls. In

addition, bifocals increase risk for falls. Cerumen is not only a common cause of hearing impairment,

but if impacted, it can affect balance.3

Foot problems that can affect balance include calluses, bunions, poorly fitting shoes and thick or long

toenails. Alcohol can affect balance. Lower extremity weakness is one of the strongest predictors of falls,

increasing risk anywhere from 2 to 8 times compared to people without weakness. It is important to test

for lower extremity weakness in a dynamic way by doing the “5 sit to stand” with arms crossed.3,8,9 Low

blood pressure can occur if someone is dehydrated or just overtreated with antihypertensive

medications. “OH” stands for orthostatic hypotension. This is a drop in systolic blood pressure of 20

mmHg or diastolic of 10 mmHg when going from a sitting to standing position. Environmental causes

such as throw rugs in the home, or pets, should be queried about. Lastly, neurological problems as risk

factors should be considered, such as peripheral neuropathy.

As these apply to our patient, we already know she has a gait and balance problem, so physical therapy

evaluation is in order. She has no obvious ADL impairment, but if it takes her longer to do her ADLs than

usual, an occupational therapist might be beneficial. We should screen our patient for dementia with a

tool like the Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam, which is better than the traditional mini-mental

status exam at picking up mild cognitive impairments.10 Depression can be screened for in just a few

minutes using something like the Geriatric Depression Scale.11 Although treatment with antidepressants

carries some risk for falls, depression is associated with several other negative outcomes in addition to

falls, so it should be treated. Delirium typically occurs in hospitalized patients, and to a lesser extent,

nursing homes, so this may not apply to our patient unless she gets hospitalized. On review of her meds,

the goal would be to get her to 4 or fewer. We should investigate the need for trazodone and

loratadine, and consider stopping them if possible. We’ll address the Benicar/HCTZ below.

It does not seem that she has an acute or subtle illness, but keeping a relatively high index of suspicion

would be prudent. We should check her vision, and look in her ears. Most importantly, we could have

her do 5 “sit to stands” with her arms crossed. If she cannot do this, referring her to PT for leg

strengthening exercises would be indicated. Her blood pressure might be considered on the low side for


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her age, and we should definitely check her blood pressure not just sitting, but standing. If OH is

present, I would either stop or at least cut back her Benicar/HCTZ. Lastly, if she had fallen at home, I

would consider ordering a home care evaluation (by an OT) to examine her environmental risks for falls.

References

1. Blake AJ, Morgan K, Bendall MJ, Dalloso H, Ebrahim S, Arie T. Falls by elderly people at home:

prevalence and associated factors. Age Ageing 1988; 17:365-72.

2. Sager M A, Franke T, Inouye S K, Landefeld C S, Morgan T M, Rudberg M A, Siebens H, Winograd C H.

Functional outcomes of acute medical illness and hospitalization in older persons. Arch Intern Med

1996; 156(6):645-652.

3. Tinetti M E, Speechley M, Ginter S F. Risk factors for falls among elderly persons living in the

community. N Engl J Med 1988; 319:1701-1707.

4. Cigolle C T, Langa K M, Kabeto M U, Tian Z, Blaum C S. Geriatric conditions and disability: the health

and retirement study. Ann Intern Med 2007;147:156-164.

5. Harlein J, Dassen T, Halfens R J G, Heinze C. Fall risk factors in older people with dementia or

cognitive impairment: a systematic review. J Adv Nursing 2009 65:5, 922–33.

6. Tinetti M E. Preventing falls in elderly persons. N Engl J Med 2003; 348:42-49 1:2.

7. Leipzig R M, Cumming R G, Tinetti M E. Drugs and falls in older people: a systematic review and meta-

analysis: I. Psychotropic drugs. J Am Geriatr Soc 1999,47:30-39

8. Robbins A S, Rubenstein L Z, Josephson K R, Schulman B L, Osterweil D, Fine G. Predictors of falls

among elderly people: results of two population based studies. Arch Intern Med 1989 149(7):1628-33.

9. Tinetti M E, Williams T F, Mayewski R. Fall risk index for elderly patients based on number of chronic

disabilities. Am J Med 1986;80(3):429-34.

10. Tariq S H, Tumosa N, Chibnall J T, Perry M H, Morley J E. Comparison of the Saint Louis University

Mental Status Examination and the Mini-Mental State Examination for detecting dementia and mild

neurocognitive disorder: a pilot study. Am J Ger Psych 2006;14:11, 900-10.

11. Yesavage JA, Brink TL, Rose TL, Lum O, Huang V, Adey M, Leirer VO. Development and validation of a

geriatric depression screening scale: a preliminary report. J Psychiatr Res 1982-1983;17(1):37-49.

Discussant 3

Kasey Sudkamp, PT, DPT is a Physical Therapist involved with the HRSA funded geriatric balance and

low back pain study.

As a physical therapist, treatment of balance disorders, especially in the geriatric population, is an

important aspect of my profession. The elderly represent more than one third of all hospital injury

admissions, and more than 80% of these injuries are caused by unintentional falls.1 These falls are the

leading cause of nonfatal injuries requiring medical attention in the United States.2


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As we age, changes in the body’s systems affect our mobility and balance. The dynamic equilibrium

model shows that both sensory and motor components determine our ability to maintain balance3. The

sensory portion of the balance system is composed of 3 areas: vestibular, visual, and

somatosensory/proprioception.3 The motor portion of the equilibrium consists of our bodies’ ability to

act on the sensory information provided using muscle contractile patterns and synergies. While balance

disorders are often multifactorial in nature, the goal in management is to minimize physical disability

and improve functional performance.

In order to develop a patient-specific treatment plan, a thorough evaluation of the neuromuscular and

musculoskeletal systems is needed. Limitations imposed by range of motion deficits, muscle weakness,

poor muscle endurance, and pain affect the ability to maintain dynamic equilibrium. Based on the

subjective and objective measures listed in the patient history, I would focus on the muscle strength

deficits, the adaptive shortening of one and specifically two joint muscles, the pain complaints, and her

overall lack of postural control and motor coordination. The optimal initial treatment frequency is 2-3

times per week for 4-6 weeks.

Ankle, hip, and stepping strategies are our body’s way to manage the amount of sway during specific

activities. If range of motion and strength is reduced in the leg and trunk joints, then the ability to

correctly activate and use these strategies is decreased. I would choose light resistive exercises involving

Theraband and gravitational pull to strengthen the hip, knee, and ankle musculature with specific focus

on the gluteus medius and the tibialis anterior. The exercises chosen should strengthen throughout the

entire available range of motion as well as use concentric and eccentric contractions. Static as well as

dynamic stretching of the rectus femoris, piriformis, and hamstrings will also be performed during the

treatment regimen.

To improve the coordination and efficiency of translating the patient’s sensory signals into motor

control actions, a controlled instability environment is extremely helpful4. It requires putting the patient

in a safe environment while at the same time challenging her base of support limits. This can be done in

a variety of ways including stance activities on different supportive surfaces and varying the use of her

upper extremities to assist her stability during standing exercises. Single leg stance work also fits into

this category. Based on her NeuroCom CTSIB scores, the patient relies heavily on her vision and

proprioception to maintain balance. Thus, having her perform standing activities with her eyes closed

along with using unstable surface platforms (foam), will encourage activation of the vestibular system

and reinforce her movement compensation strategies.

The patient’s low back pain complaints appear consistent with osteoarthritis and her diagnosis of

degenerative disc disease. A lumbar stabilization exercise program can address both her pain and

improve her postural control, which are important components in the balance algorithm. Any sudden

increase in pain might require ultrasound, trigger point release, mobilization, and activity adjustment.

Finally, education is an important key when treating balance deficits in the elderly. Most falls happen in

the home5 so instruction on the necessity to reduce tripping hazards such as clutter, poor lighting,


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electric cords or throw rugs is important. The patient should also be made aware of other factors that

put her at increased risk for falling such as performing activities that force her outside of a comfort level

of stability i.e. carrying heavy objects, changing a light bulb, climbing a ladder. This patient’s current

assistive device for gait is a single point cane, and while that may give her a small increase in base of

support, a two or four wheeled walker can provide even more gait steadiness until she feels some

improvement. A simple yet effective home exercise program is also imperative for rehabilitation

success. In order for the patient to maintain any advances she made during her physical therapy

sessions, she will need to have been instructed on a daily exercise program that is easily followed.

References

1. Greenwald BD, Burnett DM, Miller MA. Congenital and acquired brain njury. 1. brain Injury:

epidemiology and pathophysiology. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84(Suppl 1):S3-S7

2. Adams PF, Dey AN, Vickerie JL. (2007). Summary health statistics for the U.S. population: National

Health Interview Survey, 2005. Vital and Health Statistics 2007;Series 10(233):1–104.

3. Nashner LM: Sensory, neuromuscular and biomechanical contributions to human balance. Proc Forum

Amer Phys Ther Assoc. Nashville: Amer Phys Ther Assoc, 1989:5-12.

4. Wulf G, Landers M, Lewthwaite R, Tollner T. External focus instructions reduce postural instability in

individuals with Parkinson disease. Phys Ther 2009;89:162–168.

5. Chang JT, Morton SC, Rubenstein LZ, et al. Interventions for the prevention of falls in older adults:

systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BMJ 2004; 328:680.

Discussant 4

Jessica Schulz, MOTR/L is an Occupational Therapist at the SSM Rehabilitation Hospital in St. Louis,

MO.

The goal of an Occupational Therapist (OT) treating balance disorders is to address one’s physical,

cognitive, psychosocial, and sensory aspects of their life in order to enhance independence, well being,

and quality of life.2 Older adults and elderly make up a high percentage of people OTs evaluate and

treat on a daily basis. Falls are the leading cause of injury and accidental death in adults over the age of

65.1 A fall can cause a dramatic change to an older adult’s life; reducing mobility, strength, and

functional endurance.4

Treatment of balance disorders is an important aspect of working with older adults. Evaluation of person

and home are significant in order to best treat the older adult. An OT would evaluate one’s Activities of

Daily Living, such as whether they stand up or sit while putting on pants, as well as their Instrumental

Activities of Daily Living, such as cooking while standing up at the stove, to assess their strengths and

weaknesses.4


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Assessment and modification of the home environment by an OT can significantly reduce the number of

falls in older adults.3,5 Assessment and modification of one’s home is an important step in implementing

a safe foundation.4

There are many ways to adapt one’s environment to help protect people with balance disorders from

falls. Bathrooms have a tendency to be wet and slippery, therefore increasing the risk of falls.

Appropriate rugs that will safeguard the patient from slips and trips are the first and most efficient step;

they should be advised to discard throw rugs and get flat, non-slip rugs.1 Grab bars, shower chairs, hand

held shower heads, and raised toilet seats are durable medical equipment that will safeguard many

people from unnecessary falls. In the kitchen, safety improvements include storing food in easy-to-reach

places and setting up cooking tasks sitting down. In hallways, create clear pathways free from thick

carpeting or rugs and install handrails if necessary. In the bedroom, create clear pathways as well as

assess the bed’s height to ensure safety getting into and out of bed. Bedside commodes next to one’s

bed at night are a way to decrease the risk of falls in case of urgency in the middle of the night.1

OT treatments for balance disorders and fall prevention include increasing postural stability/strength,

upper extremity strength/endurance, proprioceptive awareness, and safe functional mobility.3

Functional standing tasks during an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living, such as emptying the

dishwasher, can promote dynamic standing strength and proprioceptive awareness as well as increase

strength and endurance in postural muscles. This task also allows the OT to assess when the patient is

fatiguing and educate him or her on energy conservation/safety techniques. Activities of Daily Living

that require dynamic standing balance, such as lower body dressing and bathing tasks, are also

functional ways to increase balance and safety as well as independence.3

The use of adaptive equipment has been associated with promoting safety and independence in an

older adult.4 A reacher is a piece of adaptive equipment that allows one to clasp onto pants and pull

them up to the thighs, allowing for safer dressing. The reacher is also used as adaptive equipment while

walking with a wheeled-walker. A reacher is hung conveniently on the wheeled walker in order to safely

pick up dropped items from the floor.

Finally, it is very important to educate the patient and family/caregivers on fall prevention techniques

and home modification suggestions. A study completed by Wyman, et al., revealed that home

modification education and individual counseling led to significant safety changes in older women at risk

for falling.6 Educating patients on proper medication schedules is also very important.3,4 If not taken

correctly, dizziness and loss of balance may occur. An OT can educate older adults on their medications

and help them use a weekly medication organizer, if needed. It is important that the patient

understands the value of following home safety techniques and the simple home exercise plan in order

to maximize the benefits of the OT sessions.


13 | P a g e

References:

1. American Occupational Therapy Association. American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc Page.

http://www.aota.org/Consumers/consumers/Adults/Falls/35156.aspx. Updated March 16, 2007.

Accessed March 9, 2011.

2. American Occupational Therapy Association. Policy 5.3.1: Definition of occupational therapy practice

for State Regulation. Amer J Occupational Ther 2004;58:694-695.

3. Di Monaco M, Vallero F, De Toma E, De Lauson L, Tappero R, Cavanna A. A single home visit by an

Occuaptional Therapist reduces the risk of falling after hip fracture in eldery women: A quasi-

randomized controlled trail. J Rehabil Med 2008;40(6):446-50.

4. Leland N, Porell F, Murphy S. Does fall history influence residential adjustments? The Gerontologist

2010; 51:190-200.

5. Pighills A, Torgerson D, Sheldon T, Drummond A, Bland J. Environmental assessment and modification

to prevent falls in older adults. J Amer Geriatr Soc 2007.

6. Wyman J, Croghan C, Nachreiner N, Gross C, Stock H, Talley K, Monigold M. Effectiveness of

education and individualized counseling in reducing environmental hazards in the homes of community-

dwelling older women. J Amer Geriatr Soc 2007; 55: 1548-1556.

Conclusion

Older adults represent the fastest growing population segment, but research into age-related conditions

such as LBP has failed to keep pace with this growth5. Progress is dependent on a number of factors

including treatment regimen, frequency of care, patient motivation, catastrophizing behavior, as well as

the number of comorbidities present. Geriatric studies are under-represented in the back pain

literature and there is a need to improve epidemiologic reporting of LBP in the elderly6.

http://www.aota.org/Consumers/consumers/Adults/Falls/35156.aspx

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