Physiotherapy guidance on falls prevention

Physiotherapists are being urged to use new guidelines to persuade commissioners to fund evidence-based measures to prevent falls in older people. The guidelines, which are the first in the UK with a solely physiotherapy focus, have been developed by Agile, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CPS) professional network for physiotherapists working with older people.

The document is centered on four aims including:

• preventing falls
• improving older people’s ability to withstand threats to their balance
• preventing the consequences of a long lie
• optimising confidence and reducing fear of falling.

The document, which was launched at the World Congress on Active Ageing in Glasgow, 13-17 August, identifies means of assessment as well as evidence based management strategies for those at risk of falling. Among the major changes include an increased emphasis on the steps that physiotherapists can take to help prevent falls, including specific recommendations on exercise programmes, which should have a high balance challenge component, and be delivered at a high ‘dose’ – roughly twice a week for six months.

These physiotherapy guidelines highlight the importance of strength and balance training in preventing falls. This is also emphasised by the UK physical activity guidelines published in July 2011. For further information on interpreting the physical activity guidelines when working with older people see our guideline interpretation booklets.

To find out more about the latest physiotherapy guidelines on preventing falls, see the download below:

Download: Guidelines for the Physiotherapy management of older people at risk of falling