Mobility Aids And Elderly Fall Injuries

An article posted at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090710170105.htm by Science Daily states that the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is urging elderly adults who use mobility aids such as canes and walkers to be properly assessed and fitted by a physical therapist to avoid fall related injuries.  According to the posting, this advice comes in response to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (June 2009), which found that about 47,000 senior citizens end up in emergency rooms each year due to falls from improper fit or use of walking aids.  Physical therapists advise that these results indicate a strong need for proper fit and assessment, as reported in the posting by Science Daily.  The posting stated as well that in addition to providing a proper fit, a physical therapist can assess one’s needs in order to ensure that the person is using the proper walking aid and that it is in proper working condition.  See, American Physical Therapy Association (2009, July 10).