2009 Age Plus Prize Winner: Susan Muir

Susan Muir
University of Western Ontario

Use of the Berg Balance Scale for predicting multiple falls in community-dwelling elderly people: a prospective study

Balance problems are a major risk factor for falls in older adults. Falls can adversely affect quality of life. It is therefore important to have clinical measurement tools of balance that are able to identify people at risk for falling, as early intervention can reduce future falls.

At the beginning of the study, Ms. Muir's supervisor completed a study that used the Berg Balance Scale to assess and then recorded falls for one year. This data allowed Ms. Muir the opportunity to evaluate the ability of the Berg Balance Scale identify people at risk for falling.

The Berg Balance Scale is a reliable and valid tool that is used extensively in clinical practice. Unfortunately, the original published study on the validation of the Scale has been misinterpreted and subsequent research has failed to adequately remedy this issue. The results of this study are directly applicable to clinical practice in identifying future fall risk.

As a Physical Therapist, Ms. Muir's research interests are a natural extension of her clinical experience in the rehabilitative treatment of older adults and their experience of falls, frailty and functional decline. This research is directly applicable to clinicians and underscores her focus to frame research that is clinically relevant.

Currently in winter 2009, Ms. Muir is in the 4th year of her PhD studies in Epidemiology & Biostatistics at the University of Western Ontario. She anticipates finishing this year and will then pursue a post-doctoral fellowship. Ultimately she seeks a career in academia within her profession continuing with a research focus on the older adult.