Balance and Proprioception for the Geriatric Population

This online course is aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the various etiologies for loss of balance and proprioception in the geriatric population. This course will also discuss special tests utilized for balance assessment as well as therapeutic exercise intervention strategies for both fall prevention and increase of balance and proprioception. It is the goal to increase clinicians’ awareness of the multifactorial etiologies related to loss of balance that leads to increased fall risk, and in more severe cases, injury or death. Therapeutic exercise intervention will be reviewed and demonstrated via video presentation along with the discussion of evidence-based research. The prevalence of falls has steadily increased within the geriatric population in recent history. Balance and proprioceptive awareness are critical for increased safety during activities of daily living. It can also build a sense of confidence and well-being for the geriatric patient.

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Approved through the FSBPT/ProCert for PTs/PTAs

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CEU Credits: 2

Balance and Proprioception for the Geriatric Population

Course Description:

This online course is aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the various etiologies for loss of balance and proprioception in the geriatric population. This course will also discuss special tests utilized for balance assessment as well as therapeutic exercise intervention strategies for both fall prevention and increase of balance and proprioception. It is the goal to increase clinicians’ awareness of the multifactorial etiologies related to loss of balance that leads to increased fall risk, and in more severe cases, injury or death. Therapeutic exercise intervention will be reviewed and demonstrated via video presentation along with the discussion of evidence-based research. The prevalence of falls has steadily increased within the geriatric population in recent history. Balance and proprioceptive awareness are critical for increased safety during activities of daily living. It can also build a sense of confidence and well-being for the geriatric patient.

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this program the participant will be able to:

· List 4 possible reasons an elderly person may experience chronic loss of balance

· List 3 special tests for assessing balance

· List 2 popular balance/proprioception targeted exercise regimens used by physical therapy clinicians

· Demonstrate and instruct one double-stance therapeutic balance exercise to a geriatric patient

· Demonstrate and instruct one single-stance therapeutic balance exercise to a geriatric patient

· List 3 therapeutic exercise products that can be utilized during a proprioceptive exercise program

Course Outline:

● Introduction – Loss of Balance and Proprioception in the Geriatric Population: an epidemic

o Review of fall statistics

● Etiology of Loss of Balance and Proprioception: Leading to Increased Fall Risk and Incidents

o Decline with Age

o Lifestyle

o Disease, Illness, Injury

● Assessment of Balance

o Special Tests

o Assessment Programs

● Therapeutic Exercise Intervention

o Considerations, Precautions, Contraindications

o Methodology, Current Training Programs

o Evidence-based Practice and current literature: Review of case studies and research

● Therapeutic Exercise Demonstrations and Videos

o Review of current useful equipment

o Progression of a Program

o Instructional Exercise Videos

● Conclusion

Course Schedule

Video Lecture and Home-Lab Presentation: 200 minutes

Online Post-Course Examination: 20 minutes

Course CEU Eligible Total

TOTAL CEUs (CCUs): 2.0

Expected Proficiency to Receive Certification

75% or higher on post-course examination

Refund policy

Please contact Kate Miller, Education Coordinator for CanDo Academy, with any refund requests. Grievances or requests will be considered on an individual-case basis. Kate.miller@fab-ent.com

Created by

Kathryn R Miller, PTA, BSPTA, PCES, CFT

Kate received her associate of science degree in human biology and physical therapist assistant studies, summa cum laude, from Mesa College. A third of her clinical hands-on training in this program occurred at an institution known for specializing in women’s health. She then earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapist assistant studies, summa cum laude, from Pima Medical Institute. Currently residing in Temecula, California Kate works in multiple environments including skilled nursing, inpatient, and outpatient orthopedic. Her experience ranges from women’s health, pediatric, geriatric, and special patient populations. In 2015, she completed the OTAGO balance program education for geriatric populations. Kate has given multiple public lectures at schools, district meetings, and CPTA Student Conclave. She has composed publications for the CPTA as well as health-related blogs.

Balance and Proprioception for the Geriatric Population