Patients and Gait Belts in Physical Therapy: An Effective Tool for Fall Risk Prevention or a Questionable Practice?

Using gait belts on patients in physical therapy sparks a lively debate among healthcare professionals. While some argue that gait belts are an effective tool for reducing the risk of falls and improving patient outcomes, others question their efficacy and safety.

Proponents of gait belts argue that they are an effective tool for improving patient safety during physical therapy sessions. A 2019 article by the National Library of Medicine indicates that using a gait belt significantly reduces the likelihood of patients falling unassisted and experiencing an injury.
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However, opponents of gait belts raise concerns about their effectiveness, asserting they can potentially jeopardize patient safety. There is concern that gait belts may give patients a false sense of security, leading them to take risks they may not otherwise take. Additionally, there is the possibility that gait belts could cause injury if not used correctly or if the patient falls while wearing the device.

Given the conflicting perspectives, it is imperative to evaluate the use of gait belts in physical therapy on a case-by-case basis, considering each patient’s unique needs and risk factors. Physical Therapists and student Physical Therapists are encouraged to meticulously weigh the potential benefits and risks of using gait belts, ensuring patient safety and effective care.

Citation:

Venema, D. M., Skinner, A. M., Nailon, R., Conley, D., High, R., & Jones, K. J. (2019). Patient and system factors associated with unassisted and injurious falls in hospitals: an observational study. BMC geriatrics, 19(1), 348. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-019-1368-8

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