Age-Related Changes in Physical Fall Risk Factors: Results from a 3 Year Follow-up of Community Dwelling Older Adults in Tasmania, Australia

Abstract

As the population ages, fall rates are expected to increase, leading to a rise in accidental injury and injury-related deaths, and placing an escalating burden on health care systems. Sixty-nine independent community-dwelling adults (60–85 years, 18 males) had their leg strength, physical activity levels and their annual fall rate assessed at two timepoints over three years, (summer 2010 and summer 2013) monitoring balance. Force platform measures of medio-lateral sway range increased significantly under conditions of eyes open (mean difference MD 2.5 cm; 95% CI 2.2 to 2.8 cm) and eyes closed (MD 3.2 cm; 95% CI 2.8 to 3.6 cm), respectively (all p < 0.001) indicating worsening static balance control. Dynamic balance showed similar changes (p < 0.036). Leg strength was not significantly different between visits (p > 0.26). Physical activity reduced significantly (MD −909 Cal/week; 95% CI −347 to −1,470 Cal/week; p = 0.002) during the course of the study. Participants maintained aerobic activities, however resistance and balance exercise levels decreased non-significantly. The likelihood of falling was higher at the end of the study compared to the first timepoint (odds ratio 1.93, 95% CI 0.94 to 3.94; p = 0.07). Results of this study indicate that despite maintenance of leg strength there was an increase in medio-lateral sway over a relatively short time frame, with higher than expected increases in fall rates.

The Relationship between Self-Rated Economic Status and Falls among the Elderly in Shandong Province, China

“…People with different economic statuses may live in different environments; for example, in the quality of flooring and lighting in their residences, access to public transportation, and recreational areas, which may also contribute to the occurrence of falls in the elderly [16]. As a protective factor of falls [44,45], exercise also has differences in economic level. Poor economic conditions will affect exercises [46], thus increasing the risk of falls.…”

The Effect of Yoga on Balance and Fear of Falling in Older Adults

“…One of the reasons for falls in older adults is balance impairment and reduced muscle strength [5,36,37]. Yoga requires the stretching of major muscle groups to improve physical strength and flexibility [23].…”

The Effect of Vibrotactile Cuing on Recovery Strategies From a Treadmill-Induced Trip

“…More than one third of individuals older than 65 years fall at least once per year [1][2][3][4]. Aging per se increases the risk of falling [5,6]; 6% and 11% of aging-related falls result in fractures [7] and serious injury [8], respectively. Trips and slips account for 59% of falls in community-dwelling adults [9] and result in 57% of the fall injuries [3].…”