Abstract
The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a physical fall-risk screening tool and predictor of adverse health effects for the older. Its limited use in Japan is due to the relative ease for high-functioning older adults to achieve perfect scores. Japanese researchers thus created a community-based SPPB (SPPB-com). This study investigated whether the SPPB-com score can distinguish between older patients classified as “fallers” and “non-fallers.” Participants comprised 185 older outpatients aged 65 and above who self-reported their history of accidental falls and relevant physical activity. Fall risk was assessed using SPPB and SPPB-com. Handgrip strength, maximum isometric knee extensor strength, and maximum walking speed were measured as physical functions. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic analyses determined criteria indicating faller status. Fallers were older and had lower physical function, physical activity, SPPB, and SPPB-com scores than non-fallers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed SPPB (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59–0.99, p = 0.045) and SPPB-com (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45–0.87, p = 0.005) scores were both independently associated with prior falls. The SPPB-com score may function as a fall-risk assessment tool for older outpatients, and its combined use with SPPB can increase the accuracy and precision of distinction between fallers and non-fallers.
Highlights
Introduction and BackgroundAmong the older, physical falls are harmful events that predict adverse health implications, including disability and death [1]
The most harmful consequences of falls are hip fractures and brain damage, even physically harmless falls are associated with anxiety, depression, and decreased mobility, which greatly affect quality of life (QOL) and aging process trajectory [2]
The results showed that the incidence of primary nursing care was 2.1% for a score of 12 Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and 10.4% for a score of 11 or less
Summary
Physical falls are harmful events that predict adverse health implications, including disability and death [1]. The most harmful consequences of falls are hip fractures and brain damage, even physically harmless falls are associated with anxiety, depression, and decreased mobility, which greatly affect quality of life (QOL) and aging process trajectory [2]. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis emphasized the importance of exercise combined with multidimensional clinical and environmental interventions for fall prevention [3]. Various fall prevention measures exist, a more accurate assessment of individuals and multifaceted interventions based on these revised assessments are essential [4]. Fall-risk research is becoming increasingly important to maintain healthy lifestyles in the older population
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