Balance & Falls SIG
About Us
Disruptions to the neuro-musculoskeletal systems that result in balance dysfunction affect individuals across the lifespan and is a common impairment in all neurologic disorders. Significant strides and money have been put forth towards falls and fall prevention in the older adult, however, the contribution of neurologic disorders to this is somewhat unknown and not an identified priority of national efforts. The intent of this SIG is to raise the awareness of the impact of neurologic impairments in falls and fall prevention and improve our understanding of assessment and interventions for balance dysfunction and fall risk and prevention in neurologic disorders.
Mission & Objectives
The Mission of the Balance and Falls Special Interest Group (BF SIG) is to provide a forum for APTA Neurology Section members who have a common interest in the promotion of health, wellness, optimal function, and quality of life for individuals with balance disorders or who are at risk for falls. The primary objective of the BF SIG is to create and maintain effective mechanisms for the collection, dissemination, and discussion of information related to the prevention and effective treatment of balance disorders. The SIG serves as a liaison between the APTA, health care providers, national health organizations, and the public. The BF SIG is committed to facilitating advances in physical therapy for patient management, education, research and health care policy that reflect the needs of those we serve.
COMMUNICATION
- Provide an avenue of communication and networking for clinicians, educators, and researchers working with or interested in balance promotion and fall prevention.
- Facilitate publication of articles and information regarding balance and falls in Neurology Section publications.
RESEARCH
- Facilitate clinical and basic science research in the area of balance and falls.
- Assist in establishing a network for communicating the results of research.
EDUCATION
- Assist the public relations efforts of the APTA by support and organization of activities that promote physical therapy services for persons with balance problems leading to falls.
- Support the publication of articles, book reviews, and reprints of reports and articles related to balance and falls.
LEGISLATION
- Monitor legislation that would have an impact on the delivery of quality physical therapy services to persons with balance impairments leading to falls.
- Monitor changes in reimbursement systems that affect physical therapy services provided to persons with balance impairments leading to falls.
Officers
Chair
Leslie Allison, PT, PhD
E-mail: allisonl@ecu.edu
Vice Chair
Kathryn E Brown, PT, MS, NCS
E-Mail: brownk@upmc.edu
Secretary
Linda Ann Csiza, PT, DSc, NCS
E-Mail: Linda.csiza@uchsc.edu
Nominating Committee
Cecelia A. Griffith, PT
E-Mail: cece_griff@yahoo.com
Tammie Keller Johnson, PT
E-mail: Tammielkjohnson@gmail.com
News
CDC Launches "Help Seniors Live Better, Longer: Prevent Brain Injury" Initiative
On March 6, 2008 , CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control ( Injury Center ), launched the "Help Seniors Live Better, Longer: Prevent Brain Injury" initiative. This nationwide communication initiative is designed to raise awareness among adult children and other caregivers of older adults about ways to prevent, recognize, and respond to fall-related TBI in adults age 75 and older. Consumer education materials developed for the initiative include a booklet for older adults, a fact sheet and brochure for family members and other caregivers of older adults, as well as posters and a magnet. To download these materials, please visit: www.cdc.gov/BrainInjuryInSeniors
CDC has also developed two booklets that provide detailed information about effective fall prevention interventions and guidelines for fall prevention program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation:
" Preventing Falls : What Works: A CDC Compendium of Effective Community-based Fall Prevention Interventions from Around the World"
" Preventing Falls : How to Develop Community-based Fall Prevention Programs"
To download these booklets, please visit: www.cdc.gov/ncipc/PreventingFalls
APTA Issue Brief: Falls
The Issue Brief Series provides brief background on particular issues and highlights a PT's role for each topic covered as well as particular policy challenges.
Issue Brief: Preventing Falls in Older Adults
New Report Spotlights 10 Creative Programs to Prevent Falls
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 1, 2007 -- The Falls FreeTM Coalition Home Safety Workgroup has released its report spotlighting 10 creative programs and practices in home assessment and modification that can reduce home hazards through replication in community based organizations. [READ MORE]
Contact Us
Leslie Allison, PT, PhD
Chair, Balance and Falls SIG
E-mail: allisonl@ecu.edu