Timed up and go test combined with self-rated multifactorial questionnaire on falls risk and sociodemographic factors predicts falls among community-dwelling older adults better than the timed up and go test on its own

Abstract

BackgroundEarly detection of falls risk among older adults using simple tools may assist in fall prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to identify the best parameters associated with previous falls, either the timed up and go (TUG) test combined with sociodemographic factors and a self-rated multifactorial questionnaire (SRMQ) on falls risk or the TUG on its own. Falls risk was determined based on parameters associated with previous falls.DesignThis was a retrospective cohort study.SettingThe study was conducted in a community setting.ParticipantsThe participants were 1,086 community-dwelling older adults, with mean age of 69.6±5.6 years. Participants were categorized into fallers and nonfallers based on their history of falls in the past 12 months.MethodParticipants’ sociodemographic data was taken, and SRMQ consisting of five falls-related questions was administered. Participants performed the TUG test twice, and the mean was taken as the result.ResultsA total of 161 participants were categorized as fallers (14.8%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the model (χ2(6)=61.0, p<0.001, Nagelkerke R2=0.10) consisting of the TUG test, sociodemographic factors (gender, cataract/glaucoma and joint pain), as well as the SRMQ items “previous falls history” (Q1) and “worried of falls” (Q5), was more robust in terms of falls risk association compared to that with TUG on its own (χ2(1)=10.3, p<0.001, Nagelkerke R2=0.02).ConclusionCombination of sociodemographic factors and SRMQ with TUG is more favorable as an initial falls risk screening tool among community-dwelling older adults. Subsequently, further comprehensive falls risk assessment may be performed in clinical settings to identify the specific impairments for effective management.

Diabetes, arthritis, urinary incontinence, poor self‐rated health, higher body mass index and lower handgrip strength are associated with falls among community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older adults: Pooled analyses from two cross‐sectional Malaysian datasets

“…This suggests the risk of falls associated with the TUG is determined by sociodemographic factors that are non‐modifiable in our population. Furthermore, in our recent study findings, we showed the limited ability of the TUG on its own in determining the risk of falls . This could be because the TUG reflects mobility and balance, but falls is predicted by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as comorbidities and nutritional status.…”

Prognostic value of selected risk scales in patients with end-stage heart failure

“…The prognostic value of the MELD-XI scale was higher than that of the HFSS, as indicated by a larger AUC as well as a higher sensitivity and specificity ( Table 3). The difference between the calculated AUC for MELD-XI and HFSS amounted to 0.0306, which was considered clinically relevant (≥ 0.025) [16][17][18]. The prognostic value of the MAGGIC and HFSS scales was comparable: the MAGGIC scale showed slightly worse sensitivity and slightly higher specificity than the HFSS (Table 3).…”

“…The prognostic value of the MAGGIC and HFSS scales was comparable: the MAGGIC scale showed slightly worse sensitivity and slightly higher specificity than the HFSS (Table 3). Furthermore, the difference between the calculated AUCs for MAGGIC and HFSS amounted to 0.0106, which was considered clinically non-relevant (< 0.025) [16][17][18].…”

“…AUCs from ROC analysis were compared to identify the scale that had a stronger association with the endpoint. A difference of ≥ 0.025 between the AUCs was considered clinically relevant [16][17][18]. The optimal cut-off value for the models was determined by using the Youden index.…”

Discriminative and Predictive Ability of Physical Performance Measures in Identifying Fall Risk among Older Adults

“…The global prevalence of falls among community dwelling older adults ranges between 28 and 35% (Williams et al 2015). In the Malaysian context, prevalence of falls among community dwelling older adults is between 15-28 % (Ibrahim et al 2017a(Ibrahim et al , 2017bRizawati & Mas Ayu 2008). The consequences of falls are debilitating and are commonly associated with loss of independence, injuries, disability and death.…”