KINESITHERAPY AND PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC PROGRAMMES FOR FALLS IN ADULTS

Purpose: To study and present the scientific publications available in reference databases that discuss physiotherapeutic programmes focused on fall prevention among the elderly. Material and Methods: Material: The study considers scientific publications from 2019-2024 relative to the keywords "kinesitherapy” fall prevention", "exercises" and "elderly" in scientific databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Methods for assessment of the risk and the complications occurring after falls are proposed, innovations and technologies in aid of fall prevention are introduced, and the role of the physiotherapist is affirmed. Results: 63 full-text scientific articles were recruited, 22 of them (approx. 35%) focused on a specific proposal for a physiotherapeutic complex. Abstracting from the studies implementing virtual reality, augmented reality, and exergames as prevention methods, the study is focused only on the conventional methods. The developments of twenty-two authors’ collective present programs for the prevention of falls. Conclusion: Based on the data, researchers create and introduce programmes in the physiotherapeutic practice, with Otago as the most common. The proposed physiotherapeutic procedures include exercises for balance and gait improvement (robot-assisted or not), occupational therapy, classic kinesitherapy, walking and treadmill training, as well as robot-assisted therapy for upper extremities. Exercises for increasing muscle strength and improving balance are present in almost all proposed programmes. Guidelines are being developed in support of clinicians around the world to determine their approach and manage the risk of falls among the elderly.