Dizziness and its association with walking speed and falls efficacy among older men and women in an urban population

Abstract

Background Dizziness is common among older people and falling is a feared complication. Aim The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of dizziness and its association with falls, walking speed and fear of falling, including sex differences, among 79-year-olds. Secondary purposes were to describe the relationship between dizziness and falls to number of medications and diseases. Method The study consisted of the fifth cohort of Gothenburg's H70 birth cohort studies. A sample of 662 79-year-olds (404 women, 258 men) were investigated with questions regarding dizziness, previous falls and falls efficacy [estimated according to the falls efficacy scale Swedish version (FES (S))]. Functional tests included self-selected and maximal walking speed over 20 m. Results Dizziness was reported among 51% of the women and by 58% of the men (p = 0.12). Approximately, 40% had fallen during the past 12 months (41% women, 38% of the men, p = 0.48). Dizziness was related to a higher risk of falls among women (OR 2.63 (95% CI 1.67−4.14, p < 0.0001), but not among men (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.63−1.82, p = 0.8). Dizzy individuals had lower scores on FES (S) (p < 0.01), more medications (p < 0.001) and diseases (p < 0.001) than those without dizziness. Participants who reported dizziness walked 10% slower than participants without dizziness (p < 0.001). Conclusion Women with dizziness more often reported falls compared to women without dizziness-a trend that was not seen among men. Persons with dizziness walked slower. Many medications increased risk of falling; hence, number of medications alone might help pinpoint risk groups for falling.

Ageing of the Diaphragm Muscle

“…An altered baroreceptor function leads to vestibule dysfunction and consequent motor control dysfunction and dizziness [41]. This altered condition leads to uncertainty in the path, a proprioceptive muscle alteration, and increased fatigue [14]. A rehabilitative approach to the recovery of the diaphragm muscle leads to motor, local, and systemic improvements [23,42].…”

“…A rehabilitative approach to the recovery of the diaphragm muscle leads to motor, local, and systemic improvements [23,42]. Dizziness warns cause fear of moving and walking to avoid accidental falls, further reducing individual independence [14]. The speed of the pitch decreases, negatively affecting the survival rate over the long period [14].…”

“…Dizziness warns cause fear of moving and walking to avoid accidental falls, further reducing individual independence [14]. The speed of the pitch decreases, negatively affecting the survival rate over the long period [14]. The diaphragm muscle in a condition of fatigue (cough for prolonged periods) activates the phrenic afferents (III and IV), which will stimulate the activity of the sympathetic system to the skeletal muscles with greater vasoconstriction, in a closed circle of fatigue and motor and respiratory incoordination [43].…”

“…Decreased motor independence leads to depressive conditions, especially in women [14]. Depression, anxiety, and fear of falling can also correlate to diaphragm muscle dysfunction.…”

“…Decreased mobility linked to sarcopenia or FFF is associated with cognitive decline and consequent decline in quality of life and an increased sense of loneliness among the elderly [1,4,13]. In this scenario, we also encounter other recurring conditions: urinary incontinence; dizziness or aged dependent-dizziness; depression and anxiety; and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) [14][15][16][17]. Sarcopenia also affects respiratory muscles with functional decrement; there is a decline in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) [18].…”