Pre course Age-related decline in postural control Sensory and fall prevention training to improve balance Dr. Ella K. Kristinsdottir, associated professor University of Iceland Bergthora Baldursdottir, MSc. specialist in geriatric physiotherapy One-day course, date: May 30th 2010 Arranged in cooperation with the 20 th Nordic Congress of Gerontology and The Icelandic Gerontological Research Institute Place: University Hospital, Landakot Price: 140 Euro / 25.000 ISK Included: Course material, lunch, coffee / tea during breaks Registration for the Pre cours is done when registering to the conference Closing date for registration: May 21st 2010 Max number of participants: 30 Introduction A large number of elderly people have decreased postural control and the tendency to fall increases with advancing age. Previous investigations have shown connection between diminished sensation in the lower limbs and instability, as well as between vestibular asymmetry and falls. For further information see below: Changes in postural control in healthy elderly subjects are related to vibration sensation, vision and vestibular asymmetry. Kristinsdottir EK, Fransson PA, Magnusson M. Acta Otolaryngol. 2001 Sep;121(6):700-6. Observation of vestibular asymmetry in a majority of patients over 50 years with fall-related wrist fractures. Kristinsdottir EK, Nordell E, Jarnlo GB, Tjäder A, Thorngren KG, Magnusson M. Acta Otolaryngol. 2001 Jun;121(4):481-5. Asymmetric vestibular function in the elderly might be a significant contributor to hip fractures. Kristinsdottir EK, Jarnlo GB, Magnusson M. Scand J Rehabil Med. 2000 Jun;32(2):56-60. Aberrations in postural control, vibration sensation and some vestibular findings in healthy 64-92-year-old subjects. Kristinsdottir EK, Jarnlo GB, Magnusson M. Scand J Rehabil Med. 1997 Dec;29(4):257-65. Kristinsdottir EK PhD Thesis: Imbalance and fractures in the elderly; Effects of decreased vibration sensation and vestibular asymmetry is obtainable from the author at ekk@hi.is During the last few years Ella and Bergthora have been developing a special technique with emphasis on propioceptive and vestibular training, together with sensory integration and fall reaction training. This new method has shown very promising results. Reports can be seen in the following links: http://nordiskgeriatrik.se/artiklar/NG4-09-Balanstr%C3%A4ning-Ekelund.pdf http://www.sjukgymnastforbundet.se/Fysioterapi/Documents/Fysioterapi_2009/11_09/Balanstraning_fysioterapi_%20nr11_09.pdf The aim of the course At the end of the day the participants should have acquired the knowledge and ability to utilise the sensory training method in their daily practise. Content: Lectures and practical sessions • Postural control and the role of the different sensory systems • Age related changes in the sensory systems and their effect on balance control • Assessment and evaluation methods • Sensory training methods