Calf circumference and risk of falls among Peruvian older adults

BackgroundCalf circumference is related to sarcopenia in older people and this condition is associated with falls.ObjectiveExamine the association between calf circumference and falls risk in Peruvian veterans and their family members.MethodRetrospective, hospital based cohort study. A total of 643 non-institutionalized participants from the Geriatrics Service of the Naval Medical Center were assessed. We asked about falls, comorbidities, gait/balance assessment, functional status and calf circumference.ResultsAt least 360 (57.42%) out of the 643 participants assessed, experienced one (1) fall during the follow-up. Using a Cox regression analysis we found out that comorbidities, disability, gait/balance and low calf circumference were associated with falls risk. Our data reported high falls risk in lower calf circumference groups, and provided helpful data about anthropometric measures.ConclusionA low calf circumference increases falls risk in naval veterans.