Floor-recovery training in geriatric care: clinical evaluation of the backward chaining method and development of a professional readiness assessment tool among hungarian physiotherapists
Kubik Anna Zsófia
Health Sciences
Dr. Nagy Zoltán Zsolt
SE- Egészségtudományi Kar, 138-as terem
2026-09-25 14:30:00
Theoretical and preclinical health sciences
Dr. Lenti Katalin
Dr. Kovács Éva
Dr. Mayer Ágnes Andrea
Dr. Fehérné Kiss Anna
Dr. Földvári-Nagy László
Dr. Balogh Zoltán
Dr. Hock Márta
The aging of the global population leads to a high incidence of fall-related injuries and a subsequent decline in functional mobility among older adults. One critical yet often neglected possible consequence of a fall is the so-called long lie, when an older adult remains on the floor after a fall due to the inability to stand up independently. This incident is associated with severe medical complications, a heightened fear of falling and a restriction in life-space diameter which ultimately leads to diminished functional capacity and increased mortality. This thesis investigated a possible solution to this problem by combining a clinical intervention trial and the development of a professional assessment tool.
The first study evaluated the effectiveness and acceptability of the Backward Chaining Method (BCM), a structured approach to teaching floor-recovery, starting from the safe and familiar standing position and progressing systematically toward the floor. Results indicated that the intervention significantly reduced the fear of falling and increased life-space mobility, thereby enhancing the residents' confidence and activity levels.
The second study addressed the implementation gap, by developing and validating the KAP-FALL-HU questionnaire. Using the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) model the study established a reliable tool for the assessment of professional readiness related to fall prevention and floor-recovery training in a sample of Hungarian physiotherapists. The psychometric analysis confirmed that the questionnaire effectively identifies knowledge levels and professional attitudes, providing a baseline for targeted educational interventions.
Together, these studies aim to address the challenge of falls and long lies. While they provide important and complementary findings, further research is required to demonstrate their direct impact on clinical implementation. The current results are promising in establishing the clinical efficacy of the BCM as a solution for the long lie and providing a validated tool to measure the barriers for professional implementation. As a result, this thesis supports the integration of floor-recovery training into standard geriatric care, ultimately promoting safer and more independent aging.
