Self-reported fatigue: A significant risk factor for falling in older women and men.

Abstract

To determine whether fatigue may be a risk factor for falling in older men and women, independent of other components of the frailty phenotype, fear of falling, and physical performance. Among 986 women and 485 men visiting a health resort (mean age 72.3 and 72.7, respectively), subjects with at least one fall in the previous year were compared with non-fallers using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Age, fatigue and fear of falling over the previous month were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), and the past 7days of activity were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The following parameters were also assessed: weight loss in the past year, maximum grip strength measured with a hand dynamometer, time to perform the 5-chair stand and the up and go tests, time to walk 4m, time held on one leg, feet together, as well as in the semi-tandem and tandem positions. A feeling of fatigue (VAS score≥5/10 in women or ≥4/10 in men), a fear of falling (VAS score≥4/10 in women or ≥2 in men), and poor balance (time held in semi-tandem position < 10s in women and time held on one leg < 6.5s in men) were the 3 independent parameters distinguishing fallers from non-fallers. The present study suggests the interest of adding a VAS score of fatigue to that of fear of falling and balance measurements for screening men and women aged 65 or older who are at risk of falls.