Physical Therapy Management of Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline From the American Physical Therapy Association - Geriatrics

Abstract

APTA-Geriatrics, an Academy of the American Physical Therapy Association, appointed a guideline development group (GDG) to develop a clinical practice guideline (CPG) synthesizing the evidence for physical therapy management of fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. The GDG consisted of five physical therapists with clinical expertise in the management of fall risk in older adults and methodological expertise in evidence-based document development. The CPG includes a systematic review of existing literature, and stringent methodology developed by the American Physical Therapy Association to form the evidence-based recommendations. The CPG content, including methodology, recommendations and algorithm were externally reviewed by clinical providers and academicians with expertise in fall risk management for older adults. These recommendations are intended to assist physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who are engaged in fall risk management for community-dwelling older adults.

Keywords: fall risk; guidelines; older adults.