Takayuki Watabe, OTR, Rikitaro Sako, RPT, Hisayoshi Suzuki, OTR, PhD, Hidetoshi Mano, MD, PhD, Nobuyuki Kawate, MD, PhD, Masazumi Mizuma, MD, PhD
Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 6: 151-157, 2015
Introduction: In the prevailing definition, falls in the
standing position and falls in the sitting position with
the buttocks touching the ground or floor are not
distinguished from each other. In practice, however,
the types of motion that lead to the fall differ between
these two types of falls. The present study was
undertaken to investigate the characteristics of
individuals falling in the sitting position and to
evaluate the efficacy of preventive measures taken
with such characteristics considered.
Study 1: The characteristics of the individuals
experiencing falls in the sitting position were
investigated retrospectively. These patients tended to
demonstrate retained cognitive function, and the fall
often occurred when the individuals attempted to
reach for an object at the bedside. On the basis of these
findings, measures for prevention of falls (primarily
patient education) were attempted.
Study 2: The frequency of falls before the preventive
measures were established was compared with that
after the measures. The frequency of falls in the
standing position did not decrease after these measures,
while the frequency of falls in the sitting position
decreased to about one-fifth after the measures.
Discussion: The preventive measures taken were
useful in preventing falls. In future, it may be necessary
to extensively apply measures for preventing specific
types of falls.
Key words: fall, sitting, fall-preventive measures