ADALBERTO LOYOLA- SANCHEZ

Dr. Loyola-Sanchez is a physiatrist who completed his medical and speciality training in Mexico City and his research training at McMaster University and continued to do postdoctoral studies at the University of Calgary. He has been working on tele-health initiatives in both Mexico and rural Alberta, both during and before the pandemic. This work has focused on designing, implementing, and evaluating community-based rehabilitation programs.

Currently, he is working clinically in the Spinal Cord Injury Program at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.

FALLS RISK ASSESSMENT

After getting grounded in our four original modules, a fifth one became obvious: falls risk assessment. Many people can be affected by factors which can make them susceptible to falls. Children with neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, often have loss of strength and weakened muscles. Seniors may have orthopedic or other health issues as they age that can make them unstable or lead to a loss of function where the muscle atrophy.

In a falls risk assessment it is critical to assess one’s gait and if an aid like a walker or cane is being used, if it is a good fit for the patient. During a falls risk assessment, the physiotherapist will inspect the patient’s hip and shoulder position to see if one side is stronger than the other, see if the patient sways, and have the patient do static and functional movements, like transfers or standing to sitting. If the patient uses a gait aid it is important to find out if they are able to use it independently, or with active assistance in order to prevent muscle atrophy.

Falls risk assessments are a particularly relevant area for Tele-Rehab 2.0 to undertake because of long wait times, which can often be up to a year, as well as the risk of repeated falls or further injury after an initial fall.

Scroll to learn more about the expertise that has helped shape our Tele-Rehab Falls Risk Assessment!