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The physical
functions, e.g. blood pressure, cardiac function, or mental status need to be evaluated
during the health care visit. Also, older persons should be asked about a fall history at
least once a year. Common assessment method of musculoskeletal functioning is the "Get-up and Go" Test (Mathias et al., 1986). It is a reliable and valid test to examine the balance, gait speed, and mobility of older persons quickly. Those who could stand up from a chair without using their arms, walk a few steps, and return without difficulty need no another assessment. However, the persons who showed difficulty or unsteadiness need require a further evaluation. A comprehensive fall evaluation includes the review of multiple medical conditions, medication, vision, hearing ability, or foot disabilities, etc. Also, the different evaluation need to perform on the single fall patients or recurrent fallers to distinguish the risk. |