Effects of the delivery of physiotherapy on the treatment course of elderly fallers presenting to the emergency department: Protocol for a randomized clinical trial

This study will follow a prospective longitudinal design involving participants aged 75 years and over. We plan to recruit a total n = 336 patients admitted t o the ED with a ‘fall’ chief complaint. After consent, participants will be randomized into either the ‘PT-group’ (receiving a prescription and execution of PT within the ED), or to the ‘no-PT group’ (no delivery of PT within the ED). The PT intervention will involve a standardized asses sment of motor capacities using validated clinical examinations, and the delivery of rehabilitative exercises based on individual needs. Outcomes will be recorded from the patient’s medical record, and a phone call at 7 days. A questionnaire will be sent to medical staff. The results of this study will help to determine whether PT might be beneficial for the management of this increasing proportion of individuals who come to the ED. Trial registration: (Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05753319). https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05753319.
Source: PLoS One - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Source Type: research