Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8257384 | Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics | 2018 | 7 Pages |
Abstract
The aims of this study were to examine whether: i) functional capacity and physical activity level differ between fallers and non-fallers older adults, by controlling for fall risk awareness; ii) functional capacity, fall risk awareness and physical activity differ between fallers and non-fallers older adults, by controlling for age; iii) variables and which may predict falls in different age groups. 1826 older adults performed a series of functional tests and reported their fall episodes, fall risk awareness and physical activity level. The overall incidence of falls was high (40.2%), and falls risk awareness scores reduced with age. The older adults with greater falls risk awareness and non-fallers presented better scores in all functional tests and physical activity level (Pâ¯<â¯.05). Functional tests and falls risk awareness differed among age groups and differed between fallers and non-fallers, irrespective of age group (Pâ¯<â¯.05). Falls risk awareness predicted falls in all age groups (odds ranging: 1.05-1.09). Handgrip strength and balance scores predicted falls until 79 years (ORâ¯=â¯1.04, 95%CIâ¯=â¯1.01-1.06). The physical activity level predicted falls up to 70 years (ORâ¯=â¯1.09, 95%CIâ¯=â¯1.06-1.12). Functional mobility was able to predict falls up to 80 years (ORâ¯=â¯1.06, 95%CIâ¯=â¯1.01-1.08). Therefore, according to age, functional capacity, physical activity level and falls risk awareness can be a predictor of falls in older adults.
Keywords
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Ageing
Authors
Natália Boneti Moreira, Andre Luiz Felix Rodacki, Gléber Pereira, Paulo Cesar Barauce Bento,