Does functional capacity, fall risk awareness and physical activity level predict falls in older adults in different age groups?

Abstract

The aims of this study were to examine whether: i) functional capacity and physical activity level differ between fallers and non-fallers older adults, by controlling for fall risk awareness; ii) functional capacity, fall risk awareness and physical activity differ between fallers and non-fallers older adults, by controlling for age; iii) variables and which may predict falls in different age groups. 1826 older adults performed a series of functional tests and reported their fall episodes, fall risk awareness and physical activity level. The overall incidence of falls was high (40.2%), and falls risk awareness scores reduced with age. The older adults with greater falls risk awareness and non-fallers presented better scores in all functional tests and physical activity level (P < .05). Functional tests and falls risk awareness differed among age groups and differed between fallers and non-fallers, irrespective of age group (P < .05). Falls risk awareness predicted falls in all age groups (odds ranging: 1.05–1.09). Handgrip strength and balance scores predicted falls until 79 years (OR = 1.04, 95%CI = 1.01–1.06). The physical activity level predicted falls up to 70 years (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.06–1.12). Functional mobility was able to predict falls up to 80 years (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.01–1.08). Therefore, according to age, functional capacity, physical activity level and falls risk awareness can be a predictor of falls in older adults.