PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTIONS IN THE PREVENTION OF FALLS IN OLDER ADULTS (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Falls represent a significant challenge to the health of older people, with the potential to cause severe injuries and negatively impact quality of life. Physical therapy plays a key role in preventing falls in older people, offering a variety of therapeutic approaches to improve the functionality of this population. This literature review critically examines studies on physical therapy approaches to preventing falls in older people, intending to provide a comprehensive overview of the effectiveness of these interventions and guide clinical practice. A systematic search was carried out in the PubMed, PeDRO, Scielo, and Web of Science databases to identify published studies investigating physical therapeutic approaches to preventing falls in older people. Original studies that evaluated muscle-strengthening interventions, dual-task exercises, and home guidance and reported outcomes related to fall prevention were included. Analysis of studies revealed that muscle strengthening is an effective intervention in preventing falls in older people, resulting in significant improvements in muscle strength, balance, and functionality. Dual-task exercises have demonstrated effectiveness, challenging the sensorimotor and cognitive systems, and improving the ability to perform complex tasks while maintaining balance. Additionally, home guidelines, including environmental modifications, safety strategies, and education about risk behaviors, were useful in reducing the risk of falls in older adults. These approaches are promising strategies for preventing falls in older adults and improving muscle strength, balance, functionality, and safety in older adults.