Fall predictors in the community dwelling elderly: A cross sectional and prospective cohort study

A. J. Sai, J. C. Gallagher, L. M. Smith, S. Logsdon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

77 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To ascertain the risk factors for falls, stumbles and recurrent falls in a cohort of elderly people with mean age of 76.7±6.1 years. Methods: 137 community dwelling elderly living independently or in assisted living institutions participated in the study. Each subject was assessed by history, physical examination and physical performance tests at the beginning and end of study. Falls and stumbles were recorded in a falls dairy for 1 year. Results: Significant predictors of being a faller were a history of falls at baseline (Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.85, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.56 -9.50), depression (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02 - 1.38) and timed rise (Incident Rate Ratio (IRR) = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.03 - 1.50). For predicting recurrent fallers Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves were as follows: 0.71 (95%CI 0.61-0.81) for timed up and go, 0.67 (95%CI 0.56-0.78) for timed rise and 0.70 (95%CI 0.60-0.80) for timed walk fast pace. Conclusions: Timed rise was the single most important test that was able to predict both a first time faller and recurrent faller. Timed up and go was the most significant test to predict recurrent fallers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)142-150
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Musculoskeletal Neuronal Interactions
Volume10
Issue number2
StatePublished - Jun 2010

Keywords

  • Community dwelling elderly
  • Fallers
  • Physical performance test

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Physiology
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fall predictors in the community dwelling elderly: A cross sectional and prospective cohort study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this