Physiotherapy plays an important role in preventing falls in the elderly. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors that predispose to falls in elderly residents of the West of Santa Maria / RS, as well as to investigate the incidence of falls at the same time, seeking to develop strategies for the prevention of falls in the elderly. The research was descriptive and qualitative. The sample consisted of 20 elderly of both sexes, with an average age of 75 years. The instruments of research were the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Tinneti scale to assess the balance and gait and also took tests of strength are the major muscle groups involved in postural instability. We also assessed the visual changes and dizzy referred to the observation of households concerning the risk of falls. The incidence of recurrent falls was 75% of elderly investigated and the results show that falls are associated with cognitive, visual changes, dizzy and the home environment. Factors that alone did not show the risks were balance, running and muscle strength.
Falls; Elderly; Physiotherapy; Risk Factors