Rehabilitating Geriatric Balance with Evidence-Based Techniques

Credit

Handouts

Faculty

Theresa A. Schmidt, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, LMT, CEAS Related seminars and products

Educise PC

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Dr. Theresa Schmidt is an orthopedic physical therapy specialist and massage therapist integrating traditional and alternative medicine with emphasis on manual therapy, precision exercise, wellness, Reiki, and mindfulness. She presented for NASA/Inomedic, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt Med, Wake Med, and professional associations. She received her doctorate at UNE and served as faculty at Touro PT Programs and CUNY Queens Colleges in NY. She is a published author, Expert Consultant, Reiki Master Instructor, and integrative clinician in private practice at Educise® in New Hampshire. Her website is www.educise.com.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Theresa Schmidt has employment relationships with Educise PC, CEU Connection.com, and United States Department of Veterans Affairs. She receives a speaking honorarium, recording royalties, and a consulting fee from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Theresa Schmidt is a member of American Physical therapy Association, the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, and the American Massage Therapy Association.

Additional Info

Outline

Neuromuscular and Medical Challenges of Aging

• Medications
• Medical conditions
• Degenerative processes

Examination: Screening for Balance

Balance Tests

• Vertebral Artery
• Timed Up and Go (TUG)
• Unilateral Stance
• 5 Times Sit to Stand (5TSS)
• Step Test
• Functional Reach
• Berg Balance Scale Lab
• Falls Efficacy Scale
• Falls Risk Self-assessment
• Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale
• Besttest
• MiniBestest
• Brief Bestest Lab

Gait Tests

• Timed Up and Go
• 6 Minute Walk Test
• Figure 8
• Modified Gate Efficacy Scale
• Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment
• Gait Abnormality Rating Scale
• Dynamic Gait Index Lab
• Star and Y Balance Tests
• Other balance tests

Interventions to Promote Balance and Prevent Falls

Balance Rehab

• Fall reduction education 
• Therapeutic neuromuscular and functional exercise​
• Otago
• LIFE
• Tai Chi
• Wii
• Other balance programs

Active Balance Clinic (ABC) Program

Evidence-Based Outcomes, Reliability, and Validity Studies on
Balance Tools and Interventions

Effect of Interventions on Fall Reduction, Rates, and Risk

Documentation Recommendations, G-codes

American Geriatric Society Panel Recommendations

Target Audience

• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Nursing Home Administrators
• Rehabilitation Managers
• Assisted Living Staff
• Long-Term Care Staff
• Nurse Managers
• Nurses

Objectives

1. Describe the physiological components of balance and the effect of aging on stability
2. Produce examples of balance strategies used to correct deviation of the center of gravity from the base of support and how these strategies are altered by aging
3. Perform current, evidence-based balance tests to determine fall risk
4. Discuss current evidence for exercise and functional activity interventions to reduce the risk of falls
5. Outline G-codes to use in conjunction with balance rehabilitation
6. Review the research on balance examinations and interventions for reducing falls