New Simple Test can Predict and Prevent Falls in Elderly

Highlights:

Scientists have developed a simple clinical test that can predict your risk of falls
This test helps monitor muscle weakness in elderly patients with diabetes
Also, it helps doctors and physicians in providing effective clinical advice

Older adults are at a higher risk of falls due to this there is an increase in fear of falling, reduction in activities and loss of strength. Therefore, scientists have developed a simple clinical test that can help predict and prevent their risk of falls.//

How Does the Test Work?
The ’enhanced paper grip test’ validated by researchers from the Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies (CBRT) at Staffordshire University involves pulling a small card from underneath the participant’s foot while asking them to grip with their big toe (Hallux).

New Device to Catch Your Fall
A new wearable device will now be able to predict if an elderly patient is at an increased risk of falling or not, finds a new study.

‘Simple clinical test that can assess the lower limb strength of patients has been developed. This test helps to predict and prevent their risk of falls.’

Tweet it Now

The proposed test can potentially be used to monitor muscle weakness in clinics for better falls-risk assessment in patients with diabetes.

Dr Aoife Healy, Associate Professor of Human Movement Biomechanics at CBRT, said: “The paper grip test is a simple, clinically applicable test to detect muscle weakness in the foot. The current paper builds on our previous work and shows its usefulness in assessing strength and balance in this group of vulnerable patients.”

The experiment involved assessing twenty healthy volunteers at Staffordshire University’s specialist Biomechanics labs and ten people with diabetes at a diabetic foot clinic in India.

Chair Yoga Reduces Risk of Falls in Older Adults
Older adults with advanced dementia can now participate in physical activities. A new study suggests that chair yoga helps reduce the risk of falls and improves physical activity in older adults.

Hallux grip force was previously found to be strongly linked to the strength of all muscle groups of the foot and ankle and to the ability to maintain balance. The latest results published in Gait and Posture on a modified test show the reliability and validity of Hallux grip force during clinical assessment.

Dr Lakshmi Sundar, a co-author in this study and a diabetic foot specialist from Chennai in India, added: “This type of simple clinical assessment is extremely valuable in low resource settings and helps in providing effective clinical advice.”

Tango Dancing can Improve Parkinson's Disease Symptoms, Reduce Fall Risk
Benefits of Dancing Argentine Tango: Dancing the tango can improve Parkinson's disease symptoms, and reduce fall risk, reveals a new study.

Limitation of the Study

Dr Panagiotis Chatzistergos, Associate Professor in Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Biomechanics, who led this study highlighted: “The original version of the paper grip test was shown to be effective in detecting foot muscle-weakening but its outcome is operator-dependent. To overcome this limitation, we have developed this enhanced test that replaces the pass/fail outcome with a continuous measurement of the pulling force that is needed to remove the card.”

Heart Rate Increase, Fall In Blood Pressure Combo Test Can Help Diagnose Brain Diseases
Brain diseases can now be diagnosed by a simple bedside test matching a person’s change in heart rate with a drop in blood pressure when the person stands. The test can help doctors diagnose neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease.

This latest study is part of the Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies’ wider work in the area of diabetic foot management which includes research to help prevent life-threatening foot ulcers and amputations.

Conclusion

Professor Nachi Chockalingam, Director of the Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, said: “Falls and fear of falling are a major issue in the management of older adults. Also, falling for the first time sets in motion a cycle of increased fear of falling, reduced activity and loss of strength. This leads to a higher risk for further falls. So, it is important to identify individuals who might fall and preventing the first fall is extremely important.”

Source-Eurekalert