RISK FACTORS FOR FALLS IN REHABILITATION OF OLDER PATIENTS WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

Abstract

Osteoporosis represents a chronic disorder that has highest prevalence in post-menopausal women and predisposes to fragility fractures. A series of factors increase the risk of falls and fractures in women with osteoporosis that undergo rehabilitation programs. The aim of the study was to identify characteristics of risk factors for falls in rehabilitation of older women with osteoporosis. We carried out an observational, retrospective, case-control study on 120 patients with osteoporosis consecutively admitted to National Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics “Ana Aslan”, patients that have been involved in rehabilitation programs. Only female subjects with osteoporosis and undergoing rehabilitation programs have been considered. A series of risk factors for falls had a higher prevalence in older women and the difference from adult subjects reached statistical significance: presence of neurocognitive deficit, of cardiovascular disorders, vertigo syndrome, visual disorders, concomitant use of at least 7 medicines that increase the risk of falls and concomitant presence of at least 4 chronic disorders. Other risk factors for falls had also a high prevalence in older subjects, but the difference from adult women did not reach statistical significance: degenerative disorders of weight bearing joints and depression. A special attention is warranted for women with osteoporosis that are involved in rehabilitation program, particularly taking into account the risk factors that have a significantly higher prevalence in this age group. Keywords: risk of falls, osteoporosis, older people, rehabilitation.