Effects of Weight Shifting and Heel Lift on Gait, Posture, and Balance in an Elderly Female with Backward Disequilibrium: A Case Report

Authors

Gilissa T. Schjang, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Evan M. Pucillo, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow

Files

Description

The purpose of this case report is to investigate how weight shifts and a heel lift affects a patient's center of mass in respect to their base of support to improve posture, balance, and gait which will aid in decreasing falls.

The patient demonstrated functional improvements by reducing the amount of assistance required from a caregiver for transfers and gait. Improvements in balance will allow the patient to sit on the toilet and edge of bed for toileting and dressing more independently.

Older adults with BD or other similar balance disorders are at risk for increased falls.⁵ This case report shows the benefits of incorporating anterior weight shifts and a heel lift into physical therapy interventions to improve gait, balance, and posture, ultimately decreasing falls.

Publication Date

Fall 2018

City

St. Augustine, FL

Keywords

Postural Balance, Gait, Physical Therapy Modalities

Disciplines

Physical Therapy | Rehabilitation and Therapy

Comments

Presented at the Fall 2018 Research Day on the St. Augustine, FL, campus of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

Recommended Citation

Schjang, G. T., & Pucillo, E. M. (2018, October 1). Effects of Weight Shifting and Heel Lift on Gait, Posture, and Balance in an Elderly Female with Backward Disequilibrium: A Case Report. Poster presented at the Campus Research Day Symposium, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/flsafall2018/5 Schjang, Gilissa T. and Pucillo, Evan M., "Effects of Weight Shifting and Heel Lift on Gait, Posture, and Balance in an Elderly Female with Backward Disequilibrium: A Case Report" (2018). St. Augustine, Fall 2018. 5.
Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/flsafall2018/5