Slips, Trips & Falls Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is the most critical factor in trip risk?
Minimum toe clearance during swing phase—smallest distance between toe and ground.
What trip recovery strategies exist?
Elevating (early swing), lowering (late swing), and failing (if reaction is too late or weak).
What is osteopenia and how is it managed?
Reduced bone mineral density—can be managed with weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium intake
What is a typical strategy used in early swing trip recovery?
Elevating strategy—flex the swing leg and extend the stance leg to clear the obstacle.
How can trip risk be reduced in elderly populations?
Strength training, gait retraining, improving toe clearance, and home environment modifications.
Describe the biomechanical mechanism of a slip.
When required coefficient of friction (RCOF) exceeds the available friction (ACOF), foot slides forward unexpectedly.
How can people adapt to slippery surfaces?
Increase toe-ground angle at heel strike and decrease walking speed.
How does tread wear affect slip risk?
Worn treads reduce friction and increase slip probability on wet surfaces.
What causes a slip?
When required friction exceeds available friction at the foot-ground interface
