scholarly journals Physical Fitness among Community-Dwelling Older Women with and without Risk of Falling—The Taipei Study, Taiwan

Author(s):  
Chen-Yi Song ◽  
Jau-Yih Tsauo ◽  
Pei-Hsin Fang ◽  
I-Yao Fang ◽  
Shao-Hsi Chang

The purposes of this study were to compare the differences in physical fitness between community-dwelling older women fallers and non-fallers, with and without a risk of falling, and to investigate the relation between physical fitness and falling risk factors. This study was a secondary data analysis from a community- and exercise-based fall-prevention program. Baseline assessments pertaining to body weight and height, self-reported chronic diseases, the 12-item fall risk questionnaire (FRQ), senior fitness test, single-leg stand test, and handgrip strength test were extracted. Participants (n=264) were classified into fallers and non-fallers, and sub-classified according to the risk of falling (FRQ ≥4 and <4). While controlling for the effect of age, body mass index (BMI), and multimorbidity, one-way analysis of covariance indicated that older women with a risk of falling showed poorer performances of the 8-foot up-and-go, 2-min step and 30-s chair stand compared with those without a risk of falling, regardless of the history of falls. Additionally, weaker grip strength was found in non-fallers with falling risk. Some significant, but low-to-moderate, correlations were found between physical fitness tests and fall risk factors in the FRQ, particularly in gait/balance problem and leg muscle weakness. Proactive efforts are encouraged to screen and manage deterioration in the identified physical fitness.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anabela Correia Martins ◽  
Juliana Moreira ◽  
Catarina Silva ◽  
Joana Silva ◽  
Cláudia Tonelo ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Falls are a major health problem among older adults. The risk of falling can be increased by polypharmacy, vision impairment, high blood pressure, environmental home hazards, fear of falling, and changes in the function of musculoskeletal and sensory systems that are associated with aging. Moreover, individuals who experienced previous falls are at higher risk. Nevertheless, falls can be prevented by screening for known risk factors. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to develop a multifactorial, instrumented, screening tool for fall risk, according to the key risk factors for falls, among Portuguese community-dwelling adults aged 50 years or over and to prospectively validate a risk prediction model for the risk of falling. METHODS This prospective study, following a convenience sample method, will recruit community-dwelling adults aged 50 years or over, who stand and walk independently with or without walking aids in parish councils, physical therapy clinics, senior’s universities, and other facilities in different regions of continental Portugal. The FallSensing screening tool is a technological solution for fall risk screening that includes software, a pressure platform, and 2 inertial sensors. The screening includes questions about demographic and anthropometric data, health and lifestyle behaviors, a detailed explanation about procedures to accomplish 6 functional tests (grip strength, Timed Up and Go, 30 seconds sit to stand, step test, 4-Stage Balance test “modified,” and 10-meter walking speed), 3 questionnaires concerning environmental home hazards, and an activity and participation profile related to mobility and self-efficacy for exercise. RESULTS The enrollment began in June 2016 and we anticipate study completion by the end of 2018. CONCLUSIONS The FallSensing screening tool is a multifactorial and evidence-based assessment which identifies factors that contribute to fall risk. Establishing a risk prediction model will allow preventive strategies to be implemented, potentially decreasing fall rate. REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER RR1-10.2196/10304


2019 ◽  
Vol 0 (Avance Online) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian Castillo De-Lima ◽  
Ricardo Aurélio Carvalho Sampaio ◽  
Hélio José Coelho-Junior ◽  
Carolina Mie Kawagosi Onodera ◽  
Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study was to compare physical fitness, quality of life and domains of frailty between physically frail and robust older women, whose was classified by the physical domain from Kihon Checklist. Method: One hundred and thirty-two community-dwelling older women participated in the study (68.5 ± 6.1 years). Data were collected through questionnaires (sociodemographic, Kihon Checklist, Short Form-8 items) and physical and functional tests. Results: Most frail older women lived alone (P<0.01), had lower frequency of leaving home weekly (P<0.03) and reported a greater history of fall events compared to the robust ones (P<0.01). In addition, physically frail older women presented lower performance in handgrip strength, walking speed usual and maximum, and Timed Up and Go. In addition, they had worst results in other domains of frailty (i.e., instrumental activities of daily living, oral condition, socialization, cognition) as well as a lower quality of life. Older women leaving home in a lower frequency and living alone may present an increase of emotional issues and, occasionally, a decrease of the quality of life. Conclusion: Physical frail older women leaving home less present lower muscle strength and power and, a combination of frailties besides the physical one. Resumen Objetivo: Comparar la aptitud física, la calidad de vida y los dominios de fragilidad entre ancianos físicamente frágiles y robustos, clasificados por el dominio físico del Kihon Checklist. Método: Mujeres ancianas de la comunidad participaron del estudio (n=132; 68.5 ± 6.1 años). Los datos fueron recolectados por medio de cuestionarios (sociodemográfico, Kihon Checklist, Short Form-8) y pruebas físicas y funcionales. Resultados: La mayoría de las ancianas frágiles vivían solas (P <0.01), presentaron menor frecuencia para salir de casa semanalmente (P <0.03) y sufrieron mayor número de caídas en comparación a las robustas (P <0.01). Las personas de edad avanzada físicamente frágiles presentaron un menor desempeño en la fuerza de prensión manual, velocidad de caminata usual y máxima y en el test Timed Up and Go. Además, presentaron resultados peores en otros ámbitos de fragilidad (actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria, condición oral, socialización, cognición), así como una menor calidad de vida. Las ancianas que salen de casa con menor frecuencia y viven solas pueden presentar un aumento de problemas emocionales y, ocasionalmente, una disminución de la calidad de vida. Conclusión: Ancianas físicamente frágiles, que salen menos de casa, presentan menor fuerza y potencia muscular junto a otros ámbitos de fragilidad. Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a aptidão física, qualidade de vida e os domínios de fragilidade entre idosas fisicamente frágeis e robustas, classificadas pelo dominio físico do Kihon Checklist. Método: Cento e trinta e duas idosas da comunidade participaram do estudo (68.5 ± 6.1 anos). Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionários (sociodemográfico, Kihon Checklist, Short Form-8) e testes físicos e funcionais. Resultados: A maioria das idosas frágeis moravam sozinhas (P <0.01), apresentaram menor frequência ao sair de casa semanalmente (P <0.03) e relataram maior histórico de quedas em comparação às robustas (P <0.01). Além disso, as idosas fisicamente frágeis apresentaram menor desempenho na força de preensão manual, velocidade de caminhada usual e máxima, Timed Up and Go. Em adição a isto, apresentaram resultados agravados em outros domínios da fragilidade (atividades instrumentais da vida diária, condição oral, socialização, cognição), bem como uma menor qualidade de vida. Idosas que saem de casa com menor frequência e moram sozinhas podem apresentar um acréscimo de problemas emocionais e, ocasionalmente, uma diminuição da qualidade de vida. Conclusão: Idosas físicamente frágeis, que saem menos de casa, apresentam menor força e potência muscular, e uma combinação do domínio físico com outros domínios da fragilidade.


QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abeer Alsayed Ali ◽  
Samia Ahmed Abdul-Rahman ◽  
Hoda MF Wahba ◽  
Ghada Essam Al-Din Amin

Abstract Objectives To estimate the prevalence and probable risk factors of falls among a sample of community-dwelling older adults in Suez Governorate, Egypt. Design A cross-sectional comparative study. Setting and Participants Study included 300 older adults (both men and women) recruited from 3 primary healthcare centers, all located in Suez Governorate, Egypt (Alsalam medical center, Mubarak medical center and Alsabbah medical center). Methods All participants were questioned about their fall history in the precedent year and were assessed using: Structured interview questionnaire and physical examination, Fall Risk Assessment Tool, Basic and instrumental activities of daily living, Timed Up and Go test, Single leg stance test, handgrip strength measurement, Mini-Mental Status Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Participants were categorized as faller and non-faller groups according to their fall history in the precedent year and were then compared as regard common fall risk factors (intrinsic and extrinsic). Results Prevalence of falls among the studied populations was 29%. Women fell more frequently than men (accounting for 64.4% and 35.6% of fallers, p = 0.01). Most falls occurred indoors (58.3%). A significant association was found between fall history and age, sex, muscle weakness, depression, urinary incontinence, IHD, visual impairment, fear of falling, use of assistive device, postural hypotension, and polypharmacy. Conclusion Prevalence of falls in community-dwelling elderly in Suez Governorate is 29%. Identification of factors significantly affecting elderly falls can help in planning public health policies and programs for prevention of falls.


Author(s):  
Rodrigo Serrano-Checa ◽  
Fidel Hita-Contreras ◽  
José Daniel Jiménez-García ◽  
Alexander Achalandabaso-Ochoa ◽  
Agustín Aibar-Almazán ◽  
...  

Gait, dynamic balance, and functional mobility problems are well-known fall risk factors. Furthermore, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression are prevalent among older women. This study aimed to analyze the associations of sleep quality, anxiety, and depression with functional mobility, gait speed, and dynamic balance in community-dwelling postmenopausal women aged ≥ 60 years. A total of 271 women (69.18 ± 5.69 years) participated in this study. Functional mobility (Timed Up-and-Go Test), dynamic balance (3-meter tandem walk test), gait speed (OptoGait® optical detection system), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were assessed. Our results showed that poor sleep efficiency and the use of sleeping medication were related to decreased gait speed (R2 = 0.072). Poor functional mobility was linked to depression and the use of sleeping medication (R2 = 0.159). Additionally, increased symptoms of anxiety and depression were associated with worsened dynamic balance (R2 = 0.127). In conclusion, poorer sleep quality is associated with slower gait speed and reduced functional mobility, which is also related, along with impaired dynamic balance, to higher levels of anxiety and depression.


2015 ◽  
Vol 69 (Suppl. 1) ◽  
pp. 6911515063p1
Author(s):  
Susan Nochajski ◽  
Sujata Nair ◽  
Machiko R. Tomita ◽  
Nadine M. Fisher ◽  
Dan K. Ramsay

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Hide ◽  
Y. Ito ◽  
N. Kuroda ◽  
M. Kanda ◽  
W. Teramoto

AbstractThis study investigates how the multisensory integration in body perception changes with increasing age, and whether it is associated with older adults’ risk of falling. For this, the rubber hand illusion (RHI) and rubber foot illusion (RFI) were used. Twenty-eight community-dwelling older adults and 25 university students were recruited. They viewed a rubber hand or foot that was stimulated in synchrony or asynchrony with their own hidden hand or foot. The illusion was assessed by using a questionnaire, and measuring the proprioceptive drift and latency. The Timed Up and Go Test was used to classify the older adults into lower and higher fall-risk groups. No difference was observed in the RHI between the younger and older adults. However, several differences were observed in the RFI. Specifically, the older adults with a lower fall-risk hardly experienced the illusion, whereas those with a higher fall-risk experienced it with a shorter latency and no weaker than the younger adults. These results suggest that in older adults, the mechanism of multisensory integration for constructing body perception can change depending on the stimulated body parts, and that the risk of falling is associated with multisensory integration.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 4119
Author(s):  
Lovro Štefan ◽  
Mario Kasović ◽  
Martin Zvonař

Little is known about how physical fitness is associated with peak plantar pressures in older adults. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to explore whether higher physical fitness levels were associated with lower peak plantar pressures in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 120 older women aged ≥60 years. To assess the level of peak plantar pressure, we used a Zebris plantar pressure platform. To estimate the level of physical fitness, a senior fitness test battery was used. To calculate the associations between the level of physical fitness and peak plantar pressures beneath the different foot regions (forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot), we used generalized estimating equations with a linear regression model. In unadjusted models, higher physical fitness levels were associated with lower peak plantar pressures. When we adjusted for chronological age, the risk of falls and the presence of foot pain, higher physical fitness levels remained associated with lower peak plantar pressures. Our study shows that higher levels of physical fitness are associated with lower peak plantar pressures, even after adjusting for several potential covariates.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 1386-1394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agustín Aibar-Almazán ◽  
Antonio Martínez-Amat ◽  
David Cruz-Díaz ◽  
Manuel J. De la Torre-Cruz ◽  
José D. Jiménez-García ◽  
...  

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