EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CONTEXT AND PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS FOR FALL PREVENTION IN THE ELDERLY

AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW.

Abstract

Introduction: Senescence is a progressive, inherent process in all living organisms. Following the adult phase, individuals commence a structural and physiological decline marked by the loss of adaptability to the environment, a decrease in sensorimotor capacity, and alterations in neural responsiveness. When coupled with a deficiency in knowledge and infrastructure, these elements collectively constitute risk factors for falls. Objective: The principal aim of this study is to conduct an integrative literature review, examining the epidemiological milieu and the contribution of physiotherapy in preventing falls among the elderly. Method: This entails an integrative literature review, encompassing searches conducted across the following data platforms: LILACS, PubMed, and SciELO, spanning the years 2018-2022, in both English and Portuguese languages. Results: Following the application of designated descriptors and methodological criteria, this inquiry incorporates 28 articles. These articles elucidate the contextual and epidemiological attributes of elderly subjects experiencing falls, along with detailing the physiotherapeutic interventions employed for fall prevention within this demographic. Conclusion: The analysis suggests that elderly individuals, primarily of the female gender, characterized by advanced age, limited educational attainment, lower socioeconomic status, presence of physical and functional impairments, and utilization of medication, exhibit an elevated propensity for falls, predominantly within domestic settings.

Keywords: Physiotherapy, Falls, Prevention, Elderly, Epidemiological Context.