Mechanography assessment of fall risk in older adults: the Vietnam Osteoporosis Study

Abstract

Background Jumping mechanography is a technology for quantitatively assessing muscular function and balance in older adults. This study sought to define the association between jumping mechanography parameters and fall risk in Vietnamese individuals. Methods The study involved 375 women and 244 men aged 50 years and older, who were recruited from the general population in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). The individuals had been followed for 2 years. At baseline, Esslinger Fitness index (EFI), jumping power, force, velocity of lower limbs, and the ability to maintain balance were measured by a Leonardo Mechanograph Ground Reaction Force system (Novotec Medical, Pforxheim, Germany). The incidence of falls during the follow-up period was ascertained from self-report. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the association between jumping mechanography parameters and fall risk. ResultsThe average age of participants at baseline was 56.7 years (SD 5.85). During the 2 year follow-up, 92 falls were reported, making the incidence of fall at ~15% [95% confidence interval (CI), 12.1 to 18.2]. The incidence of fall increased with advancing age, and women had a higher incidence than men (17.6% vs. 10.7%; P = 0.024). In univariate analysis, maximal velocity [odds ratio (OR) 0.65; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.82], maximal force (OR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.04), and maximal power (OR 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.88) were each significantly associated with fall risk. EFI was not significantly associated with fall risk (OR 1.09; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.39). However, in a multiple logistic regression model, greater maximum velocity was associated with lower odds of fall (OR 0.38; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.92). Conclusions These data suggest that jumping mechanography is a useful tool for assessing fall risk in older adults of Vietnamese background.

Jump Power Predicts Fracture Risk in Older Adults Independent of Sarcopenia and FRAX

“…This concept can be considered similar to utilizing a treadmill exercise test to detect the presence of coronary artery disease in asymptomatic, low‐risk individuals. ( 34 ) Individuals without sarcopenia according to AWGS 2019 sarcopenia definition with low jump power had a higher fracture risk equivalent to that in individuals with possible sarcopenia in this study. Jump power measurement can be particularly useful in individuals with BMD above osteoporotic range, as observed fracture risk was more related to jump power than presence of AWGS 2019 sarcopenia in this subgroup.…”

Development of a Smart Wearable Device for Fall and Slip Detection and Warning for the Elderly People

“…Depending on the severity of the fall, injuries can affect motor function or even lead to death. At the Department of Geriatrics -Palliative Care, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, every month, about 17% of patients are hospitalized due to falls or fall-related events [3]. Elderly patients who suffer from impaired moving organism also cope with mobility struggle in daily living, even the need the care and monitoring from family member or medical staff.…”

Knowledge, attitude and practice on fall risk factors and prevention among rural older community-dwellers in Vietnam

“…In Vietnam, there is projected to be a significant increase in the proportion of individuals aged 60 and above, comprising approximately 25% of the overall population by the year 2049 [ 11 ]. In community, the rate of falls among older people were 15% [ 12 ]. Meanwhile, the rate of outpatients aged 60 years and older experiencing falls was 23.1% to 23.7% of [ 13 , 14 ], and 40.5% had recurrent falls within 12 months [ 15 ].…”

“…These include, but are not limited to, being underweight, experiencing limitations in instrumental activities of daily living, struggling with poor sleep quality, and harboring a fear of falling. Furthermore, the absence of having received fall prevention guidelines, dependence on walking aids, the presence of sensory impairments in the hands or feet, and the utilization of pain relief medications have all been found to contribute to an increased risk of falling [12][13][14]. The aforementioned trend poses a significant burden on the healthcare system unless proactive measures are devised to reduce falls among the elderly population.…”