Assessment of Elderly Slips and Falls Utilising Induced Slip Training or An Obstacle Course

Abstract

Background: Falls are a frequent reason for injury-related hospitalisation or mortality in older people. This research discusses a unique conceptual framework on dynamic stability and weight support in reducing the chance of falls and slips, based on induced slip training or an obstacle course principle. Objective: To find either an obstacle course or induced slip training for slips and falls in elderly people. Design: Berg Balance Scale and a modified timed up and go test study. Study setting: Community centres and communities in Agra and Mathura. Participants: A total of 30 subjects were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Outcome measure: Obstacle course training and timed up & go test were used as for assessing older people with balance and mobility issues. Results: In elderly people, the low friction surface trained group maintained their balance while walking at their usual speed in timed up and go. Conclusion: Based on findings of the study, the low friction surface group showed a faster time to walk over the same surface without losing balance. They were able to adjust their posture in response to the stresses by applying tactics learnt via repetition, resulting in more stable and safe movement. KEY WORD: Geriatric slips and falls, Induced slip, Obstacle course, Up and go test.