Abstract
An 83-year-old male medically diagnosed with “unsteadiness on feet and general weakness” was seen in physical therapy for 25 sessions over 12 weeks at an outpatient orthopedic clinic. The sessions were provided by a physical therapy student under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
The patient was examined at the initial encounter using the following tests and measures: lower extremity manual muscle testing, 5 Times Sit to Stand, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up & Go, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, and the Patient Specific Functional Scale. A plan of care was established to address fall risk, lower extremity muscle weakness, functional balance and mobility limitations, and restrictions in participation in recreational sports. The main goals for the patient were to decrease fall risk, improve lower extremity strength, improve functional balance and mobility, and improve participation in golf. The main interventions used were strength training, balance retraining, and gait training. At the conclusion of the episode of care, the patient presented with decreased fall risk, improved lower extremity strength, and improved functional balance. The patient was discharged to independently living at home and independently maintaining a home exercise program.