Relationship between functional limitations due to subjective cognitive decline and falling focusing exercise intensity: Results from the Korean Community Health Survey.

Abstract

To explore the association between functional limitation due to subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and falling by focusing on exercise intensity in the Korean population aged 45 years and older. The 2019 Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS) was used to analyze 35,387 people by applying individual weights imposed from the raw data. To analyze the association between functional limitation due to SCD and falling in the Korean population aged 45 years and older, weighted logistic regression analysis and weighted zero-inflated Poisson regression analysis were used. In both the middle-aged group and the older adult group, the functional limitation due to SCD had a higher fall experience rate and more falls than the non-functional limitation due to SCD group. Additionally, the middle-aged group and the moderate or vigorous physical exercise (MVPE) group had a higher fall experience rate and number of falls than the non-MVPE group; however, the older adult group walking regularly and performing MVPE had a lower fall experience rate and number of falls than the non-exercise group. Active participation in exercise is encouraged and should lead to fewer falls in older adults. Furthermore, a group with functional limitations due to SCD should be provided with exercise guidelines and a community program and facilities that enable regular participation should be developed.