Prevention of falls in the elderly and in people with mobility changes

Abstract

Introduction: Falls are a globally recognized health problem with harmful consequences, namely, restricted mobility, functional incapacity, reduced quality of life, institutionalization and consequent increase in costs associated with health. Method: Systematic review of the literature that used the PICO mnemonic to formulate the research question, which led to the search in the CINAHL Complete and PUBMED databases. Nine randomized controlled studies were selected. Results: The prevention of falls results from a multifactorial approach where the assessment and identification of the risk of falling, implementation of motor re-education programs, identification and control of risk factors for falls and health education are essential. Conclusion: Interventions that contribute to the prevention of falls in the elderly and/or those with mobility disorders include assessment and identification of the risk of falling, implementation of motor re-education programs, identification and control of risk factors, risk of falling intrinsic and extrinsic and health education.