Functional Balance (Falls Risk) Assessment
Hi , welcome to The Functional Balance ‘Falls Risk’ Assessment, watch the overview ‘Importance of Balance’, then the How To’ videos. This assessment can be completed as often as you desire.
We recommend completing twice yearly, particularly if there are lengthy gaps between strengthening sessions. Because, ‘Use it or Lose it’ is real and muscle decay ‘Sarcopenia’ exponentially occurs as we age through 60 70 and beyond.
Unpacking the Importance of Assessing Balance & Falls Risk
How to Take the Balance ‘Falls Risk’ Assessment
This Functional Balance ‘Falls Risk’ Assessments is designed to give you a benchmark of your start balance point, along with identifying if there is any ‘Falls Risk’ associated with the current condition of your functional balance.
Hey, don’t rush the assessment, follow the video instructions carefully and get some family or friend support if needed.
Throughout each of the assessments you’ll be asked to hold a position for a minimum of 10sec, if that isn’t possible, then that would be considered a FAIL.
For these balance positions there is no need to hold beyond 30secs, as a hold for this time period would be considered ‘Very Good’.
FIND a SAFE position, such as a corner or end of hallway, like we have demonstrated. A place where you can easily brace against a wall should you need to.
Step-by-Step Video Walk-Through
Primary Balance ‘Falls’ Assessment
REMEMBER: For a basic PASS the balance position only needs to be held in a still position for 10sec, but the ideal to eventually aim for is 30sec.
1. Eyes Open & Feet Together
2. Eyes Open & Feet Arch to Toe – Each Side
3. Eyes Open & Feet Heel to Toe – Each Side
NOTE: A Failure in any of 1, 2 or 3 assessments above, means you are at a HIGHER ‘Falls Risk’
If you Failed in the assessments above, DON’T proceed with remaining assessments.
However, In several weeks after strength training TRY AGAIN and you may be pleasantly surprised and encouraged.
4. Eyes Open & One foot on Toe – Each Side
5. Eyes Open & On one Foot – Each Side
For the Adventurous a more Advanced Assessment
REMEMBER: DON’T try if you failed the Primary Assessment. For a PASS the balance position only needs to be held for 10sec, but don’t go beyond 30sec.
1. Eyes Closed & Feet Apart
2. Eyes Closed & Feet Together
3. Eyes Closed & Feet Heel to Toe – Each Side
4. Eyes Closed & On one Foot – Each Side
Hey , how was the assessment? We’d love to hear your thoughts, drop a comment below.
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