Fall Risk Questionnaire Research Articles

Age-associated risk of sarcopenia, falls and fractures: results of Ukrainian cohort study

Background. It is well-known that sarcopenia increases the risk of falls and fractures, and therefore, requires correction to improve the quality of life of elderly people. This research purposed to study the age-related changes in the sarcopenia risk, falls, and fractures in Ukrainian women in the late reproductive and postmenopausal periods. Materials and methods. We examined 573 females aged from 40 to 89 years old. The subjects were grouped by age decades and presence of high sarcopenia risk (HSR). The SARC-F questionnaire measured the sarcopenia risk, and the risk of falls using the Desmond Fall Risk Questionnaire, the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic and hip fractures was assessed by FRAX, and daily activity — according to the IADL scale. Also, we performed the hand grip strength and five-repetition sit-to-stand tests. Results. The frequency of HSR increased with age from 1.5 % in the 40–49-year-old group to 73.7 % in subjects over 80, as well as fracture and fall risks (p < 0.00001 for both indices) related to decreasing independence in the subject’s everyday life. Also, we revealed age-dependent loss of muscle strength according to the hand grip and the five-repetition sit-to-stand tests. After the adjustment of the subjects by age we found that the females with HSR had a higher risk of falls, a lower level of independence, and increased frequency and risk of osteoporotic fractures. Conclusions. Women with HSR have a higher risk of falls, fractures, and more limitations in daily living activities independently from age and body mass index. These findings request comprehensive management of older women with attention to various parameters for the increase of independence and quality of life.

Risk of sarcopenia in subjects with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis

The study aimed to determine the relationship between the risk of sarcopenia (SP) and common age-related diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA). There were examined 460 women aged 50-85 years (mean age 66.4 ± 8.8 years) and they were divided into 4 groups. Group I included 176 women without bone and joint diseases (BJD); Group II included 137 persons with a diagnosis of systemic OP; Group III included 95 subjects with knee and/or hip OA (2nd-3rd degree of Kellgren-Lawrence grades); IV group included 52 females with OP and large joints OA (2nd-3rd degree of Kellgren-Lawrence grades). Bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) were determined in all patients using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which was subsequently taken into account in the calculation of the 10-year probability of the major osteoporotic fractures according to the Ukrainian version of FRAX®. The following questionnaires were used: SARC-F, IADL, Desmond Fall Risk Questionnaire, and KOOS-12. Also, we used the chair stand test (5 times sit-to-stand) and hand grip dynamometer test. The frequency of persons with risk of SP in Group I was 20.3 %, and it was significantly higher in women with OP (33.5 %, χ2= 6.9 [3.4 – 23.0], p < 0.05), subjects with OA (34.7 %, χ2= 6.7 [3.4 – 25.7], p < 0.05), and women with combined pathology (44.2 %, χ2= 12.1 [9.8 – 38.2], p < 0.05). In patients with OA and risk of SP, pain intensity was significantly higher (43.7 [31.3 – 62.5] points compared to patients with OA without risk of SP - 68.8 [50.0 – 93.8] points, Z = 3.6, p < 0.05), as well as function, and daily living (43.8 [31.3 – 68.8] and 75.0 [56.3 – 100.0] points, respectively, Z = 4.1, p < 0.05 and quality of life 43.8 [37.5 – 62.8] and 75.0 [43.8 – 87.5] points, respectively (Z = 3.0, p < 0.05) according to the KOOS-12. The probability of the major OP fracture was significantly higher in the group of OP and risk of SP (11.0 [8.5 – 12.0] % compared to patients with OP without risk of SP - 8.1 [5.4 – 10.0] %, Z = - 3.8, p < 0.05). The same differences were found for the 10-year probability of hip fracture (5.0 [2.8 – 7.3] and 2.1 [1.5 – 3.5] %, respectively, Z = - 4.9, p < 0.05). High Risk of SP, falls and the need for external assistance were recorded significantly more often in women with OP pathology, and their skeletal muscle strength was significantly lower. Women with a high risk of SP had significantly lower skeletal muscle strength (according to hand grip dynamometry), a higher risk of falls and fractures, and a greater need for assistance. The combination of a risk of SP and OA was associated with more severe joint pain intensity, lower function, and quality of life, and the risk of SP and OP combination was associated with a higher risk of OP fracture. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Keywords: sarcopenia; osteoporosis; osteoarthritis; FRAX; fracture; fall; pain; quality of life.

Prevalence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and high falls risk in healthy community-dwelling Thai older adults: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Thailand has transitioned from an aging society to an aged society, which implies that the prevalence of age-related disorders will increase; however, epidemiological data specific to the prevalence of age-related degenerative musculoskeletal disorders among Thai older adults remain limited. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of age-related musculoskeletal diseases, including osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and high falls risk among healthy community-dwelling Thai older adults. This cross-sectional nationwide study enrolled Thai adults aged ≥60yr from 2 randomly selected provinces from each of the 6 regions of Thailand via stratified multistage sampling during March 2021 to August 2022. All enrolled participants were evaluated for BMD, skeletal muscle mass, grip strength, and gait speed. Osteoporosis was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization definition, and sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria. Falls risk was determined using the self-rated Fall Risk Questionnaire. A total of 2991 eligible participants were recruited. The mean age of participants was 69.2 ± 6.5yr (range: 60-107), and 63.1% were female. The prevalence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and high falls risk was 29.7%, 18.1%, and 38.5%, respectively. Approximately one-fifth of subjects (19.1%) had at least 2 of 3 risk factors (ie, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and high falls risk) for sustaining a fragility fracture, and 3.4% had all 3 risk factors. In conclusion, the results of this study revealed a high and increasing prevalence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and high falls risk in healthy community-dwelling Thai older adults. Since these conditions are all major risk factors for fragility fracture, modification of Thailand's national health care policy is urgently needed to address the increasing prevalence of these conditions among healthy community-dwelling older adults living in Thailand.

Relationship between fear of falling and fall risk among older patients with stroke: a structural equation modeling

BackgroundWith reduced balance and mobility, older patients with stroke are more susceptible to fear of falling (FOF). A maladaptive form of FOF can cause excessive activity restriction, poor balance, and recurrent falls, forming a self-reinforcing vicious cycle. This study applied and adapted the FOF model to investigate the interaction between FOF and fall risk in older stroke patients.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 older stroke patients aged 60 and over. All participants were invited to complete the FOF, fall risk, physical activity, and balance tests, which were measured by the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), Self-Rated Fall Risk Questionnaire (FRQ), the long-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-LF) and the Four-Stage Balance Test (FSBT) respectively. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 68.62 ± 7.62 years; 8.94% reported a high level of FOF, and 18.21% reported a moderate level of FOF. The structural equation model showed that FOF was directly associated with fall risk (β=-0.38, p < 0.001), and was indirectly associated with fall risk via physical activity (β=-0.075, p < 0.05) and balance ability (β=-0.123, p < 0.05). Depression (β=-0.47, p < 0.001), fall history (β=-0.13, p < 0.05), and female sex (β=-0.16, p < 0.05) affected FOF, while anxiety was not associated with FOF.ConclusionsThe increased risk of falling in older stroke patients results from a maladaptive FOF affected by depression, fall history, poor balance ability, and limited physical activity. Our results suggest that greater attention should be paid to FOF during stroke recovery and fall prevention. A multifaced intervention program encompassing physiological and psychological factors should be designed to address FOF and prevent falls.

Consistent hearing aid use is associated with lower fall prevalence and risk in older adults with hearing loss.

Falls and their sequelae cost more than $50 billion every year. Older adults with hearing loss are at 2.4 times greater risk of falls than their normal hearing peers. Current research is inconclusive about whether hearing aids can offset this increased fall risk, and no previous studies considered if outcomes differed based on the consistency of hearing aid use. Individuals 60 years and older with bilateral hearing loss completed a survey consisting of the Fall Risk Questionnaire (FRQ) and questions about hearing loss history, hearing aid use, and other common fall risk factors. In this cross-sectional study, fall prevalence, as well as fall risk (based on FRQ score), was compared between hearing aid users and non-users. A separate group of consistent hearing-aid users (at least 4 h daily use for more than 1 year) was also compared with inconsistent/non-users. Responses from 299 surveys were analyzed. Bivariate analysis found 50% reduced odds of experiencing a fall for hearing aid users compared with non-users (OR = 0.50 [95% CI: 0.29-0.85], p = 0.01). After adjusting for age, sex, hearing loss severity, and medication usage, those who reported any hearing aid use still had lower odds of falls (OR = 0.48 [95% CI: 0.26-0.90], p = 0.02) and lower odds of being at risk for falls (OR = 0.36 [95% CI: 0.19-0.66] p < 0.001) than non-users. Results for consistent hearing aid users demonstrate an even stronger association of lowered odds of falling (OR = 0.35 [95% CI: 0.19-0.67], p < 0.001) and lower odds of being at risk for falls (OR = 0.32 [95% CI: 0.12-0.59], p < 0.001), suggesting a potential dose-response relationship. These findings suggest that use of hearing aids-especially consistent hearing aid use-is associated with lower odds of experiencing a fall or being classified as at risk for falls in older individuals with hearing loss.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Version of the Fall Risk Questionnaire.

A simple, valid, and reliable self-assessment fall-risk questionnaire in Arabic is needed to significantly promote awareness and develop fall-prevention programs. This study translated and adapted the Fall Risk Questionnaire (FRQ) into Arabic and determined its validity and reliability among Saudi Arabian older adults in two phases: (1) cross-culturally adapting the FRQ into Arabic and (2) assessing the adapted questionnaire's psychometric properties in two sessions with 110 Arabic-speaking participants aged ≥65 years. Pearson's r showed that the Arabic FRQ had a significant moderate negative relationship with the Berg Balance Scale and fair-to-moderate positive correlations with Five Time Sit to Stand and Time Up and Go. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated a significant area under the curve = 0.81. The cut-off score was 7.5 and associated with 73.7% sensitivity and 73.6% specificity. Internal consistency was estimated as good, with Cronbach's α = 0.77. Deletion of item 1 slightly increased Cronbach's α to 0.78. The Arabic FRQ demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability, with an intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92-0.97). It is highly valid and reliable in providing valuable data for evaluating fall risk in adults aged ≥65 years and for consulting a specialist for further investigation if necessary.

Developing a multivariate prediction model of falls among older community-dwelling adults using measures of neuromuscular control and proprioceptive acuity: A pilot study.

To examine whether measures of neuromuscular control and proprioceptive acuity were predictive of falls in an older community-dwelling population and to develop a multivariate prediction model. Fifty-eight adults aged above 60 living independently in the community were recruited for a prospective falls study. On entry, they undertook a Sensory Organisation Test (SOT) and an Active Movement Extent Discrimination Assessment (AMEDA) and completed a short fall risk questionnaire. Participants were monitored for falls over the subsequent 12 months. Prior to analysis, falls were classified into three categories based on the difficulty of the activity being undertaken and the demands of the environment in which the fall occurred. Logistic regression was used to predict the probability of a fall. For falls occurring under the least challenging circumstances, the model fitted using the AMEDA score and two of the questions from the fall risk questionnaire, related to balance and confidence, achieved a specificity of 87% and sensitivity of 83%. Falls occurring in more challenging circumstances could not be predicted with any accuracy based on the variables recorded at inception. This study highlights the importance of considering the heterogeneous nature of falls. Poorer proprioceptive acuity appears to play a role in falls occurring where neither the environment nor the activity is challenging, but not in falls occurring in other circumstances. Falls in the least-challenging circumstances affected 15% of participants, but this group was considerably more likely to have multiple falls, increasing their vulnerability to adverse consequences.

Cultural and Linguistic Adaptation of the Fall Risk Questionnaire-Portuguese Version.

Falls are a major problem among older adults worldwide. Early detection of risk factors is important to decrease the burden of falls. The “Fall Risk Questionnaire” (FRQ) is a screening tool used to assess personal fall risk awareness in older populations, and it is also used as a behavior change tool. The aim of the present study was to undertake a cultural and linguistic adaptation of the FRQ to allow its use in the Portuguese population. To achieve this, we used the sequential method proposed by Beaton and colleagues. Statistical analysis was conducted by computing the intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach’s alpha score for intra-observer reliability. The panel revision demonstrated high concordance for all assessed items. The pretesting results indicated that, in general, the FRQ—Portuguese Version (FRQ-VP) was well accepted, and all items were adequate and easy to comprehend. The ICC and Cronbach’s alpha scores indicated high consistency between assessments (p < 0.01; alfa = 0.992). The FRQ-VP seemed to have good reliability and internal consistency. Because the definition of a fall experience may not be clear to the older population, a careful explanation of this item can lead to a better score computation.

Comparison of Physical Activity, Exercise Barriers, Physical Performance, and Fall Risks in Frail and Nonfrail Older Adults

Objectives: The present research aimed to identify the difference between physical activity, physical performance, balance, fall risk, and exercise barriers in frail and nonfrail older adults. Methods: One hundred nineteen voluntary individuals older than 65 years and living in Kırıkkale were enrolled in the research. The Clinical Frailty Scale was employed to evaluate the frailty level of the individuals included in the study. In line with the data obtained after the evaluation, individuals were separated into 2 groups as frail and nonfrail individuals. Exercise barriers were evaluated with the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS), physical activity level was evaluated with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), lower extremity physical performance was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test, and fall risk was assessed with the Self-Rated Fall Risk Questionnaire (FRQ). Results: Ninety-three of the individuals enrolled in the study were found to be nonfrail and 26 to be frail older adults. The mean age of the individuals in the nonfrail group was 70.36 ± 6.10 years, and the mean age of the individuals in the frail group was 76.53 ± 7.37 years. In the statistical analysis, the difference was revealed between the groups in terms of the exercise barriers subscore, EBBS total score, PASE leisure activity score, PASE total score, FRQ total score, and SPPB total result (P &lt; .05). In the correlation analysis, there was a negative correlation between the frailty scale score and SPPB and a positive correlation between the frailty scale score and FRQ in nonfrail older adults (P &lt; .05). However, there was a positive correlation between the frailty scale score and exercise barriers subscore, EBBS and FRQ total scores, and a negative correlation between the PASE leisure activities, work activities and PASE total score, and SPPB score in frail individuals (P &lt; .05). Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that the physical activity levels of frail older adults were poorer, they had a higher fall risk, and their activity performance, including the lower extremity, was poorer than that of nonfrail older adults.

Impact of Sarcopenic obesity on body composition, physical performance and fall risk in community dwelling older adults

<h2>Abstract</h2> Aging is a continuous process in which body systems undergo many physiological changes. One such age associated change is loss of muscle mass which is defined as Sarcopenia. With the increased prevalence of obesity in older adults, the risks of fall and disability also increases. This formulates to the origin of a combined term called Sarcopenic obesity. This study evaluates the potential impact of sarcopenic obesity on the functional status of older adults. In which, sarcopenia was assessed by skeletal muscle mass index, and obesity by BMI. The subjects were evaluated for their body composition using anthropometric measurements, fall risks by Morse fall risk questionnaire, physical performance by short physical performance battery scale and gait speed by time-up-go test. The study concluded that both the sarcopenic obesity and sarcopenia report to have lesser bone mass, handgrip strength, physical activity, gait speed and higher body fat percentage with increase risks to fall, in comparison to obese and non sarcopenic non obese subjects. Thus, stating that sarcopenic obesity is a geriatric syndrome which results in overall adverse health concerns.

Feasibility of a self-reported digital fall risk assessment compared with the traditional functional balance and gait assessments performed during student led balance screening: A pilot study

Background: One in four older adults in the age range 65 and above, report falls in the US each year. Some falls cause injuries or even deaths and can pose a significant economic burden on society. This pilot study compares two different methods of measuring fall risk in older adults. The goal of this research is to investigate the feasibility of a digital fall risk assessment tool, compared with the traditional functional gait and balance assessments. Methods: Community dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older were recruited. Physical therapy students guided the participants through the following traditional paper-based tests: Berg Balance Scale (BBS) or Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB), 30 Second Chair Stand (30CST), 50-foot Walk Test, Balance Efficacy Scale (BES), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale (CES-D). All participants then independently completed the following digitally guided tests using the Health in Motion© (Blue Marble Health) remote therapeutic monitoring platform that comprised of Fall Risk Questionnaire (FRQ), One Leg Stand Test (OLST), 30 Second Sit to Stand Test (30STST), and 2 Question Depression Screen (2QDS). Results: This pilot study involved six female and one male community-dwelling older adults aged 67-90 years (81.57 ± 8.07). In general, the digital fall risk assessments correlated with some of the traditional paper-based fall risk tests. Specifically, there was a statistically significant moderate correlation between the digital fall risk questionnaire (FRQ) and the paper-based BES (r=0.77, p=0.043), and CES-D (r=0.76, p=.046). There was a statistically significant very strong correlation between the digital OLST and the 50-foot walk preferred speed (r=0.80, p=0.056), fast speed (r=0.92, p=.0009), and moderate correlation with 30CST (r=0.79, p=0.033). Further, there was a 100% match between both digital and paper-based depression tests. In terms of average total duration of administering the test, the digital fall risk assessment takes 7 minutes in comparison to 60 minutes with traditional balance and gait assessment. Conclusion: During the global COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, digital fall risk self-assessment tools can enable clinicians to collect asynchronous, objective, and standardized assessments prior to their telehealth visits. KEYWORDS: Fall Prevention, Fall Screening, Self-Assessment Mhealth App, Telehealth, Pro Bono Balance Clinic, Remote Patient Monitoring.

Agreement and participants’ preferences comparing: self-rated falls risk questionnaire (FRQ) and activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) scale in community-dwelling older adults using the Bland–Altman method

PurposeScreening for fall risks is an important part of fall and fracture prevention. This study aims to investigate cross-sectional inter-instrumental agreement and participants’ preferences of the self-rated Falls Risk Questionnaire (FRQ) and Activities Specific Balance Confidence 6 items (ABC-6). This study also aimed to compare FRQ and ABC-6 scores in older adults with and without a history of falls.Design/methodology/approachThrough an online and snowball sampling survey, 114 respondents were recruited from six countries. Respondents were asked to perform FRQ and ABC-6 surveys.FindingsThe mean respondent age was 67 years, and 44.8% reported falls in the past year. The mean of rescored FRQ and ABC-6 scores were 68.6% and 66.2%, respectively. The FRQ and ABC-6 scores for fallers were lower than non-fallers. Bland and Altman’s method indicated the mean −2.6 and two standard deviations 20.9 differences between ABC-6 and FRQ, which means an overall agreement between these tools. Most of the respondents, 36% had no preference between ABC-6 and FRQ, 34% preferred none, 21% preferred the ABC-6 and 9% preferred the FRQ for screening future falls risk.Originality/valueBoth ABC-6 and FRQ can distinguish between fallers and non-fallers, and findings of this study can be used to support the use of the FRQ for falls screening in older adults.

Development and validation of a fall risk Questionnaire in Greek community-dwelling individuals over 60 years old

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to develop a questionnaire that can reliably recognize Greek individuals over the age of 60 with increased risk of falls.Methods:An 11-item self-reported Questionnaire (LRMS) was developed and delivered to 200 individuals. Collected data were compared to Timed Up and Go (TUG), Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), Tinetti Assessment Tool, Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) and Morse fall scale. The results were statistically analyzed.Results:Correlation between LRMS and the examined tools was high TUG (r=0.831), FES-I (r=–0.820), Tinetti balance (r=–0.812), Tinetti gait (r=–0.789), GDS-15 (r=–0.562), and Morse fall scale (r=0.795). Cronbach’s alpha for LRMS total score was 0.807. ICC of the LRMS total score was 0.991. The area under the curve of LRMS was 0.930 (cut-off point 10.5, 95% C.I. 0.88 - 0.98, p<0.001, sensitivity=86%, specificity=98%) with TUG as gold standard, 0.919 (cut-off point 11.5, 95% C.I. 0.88 - 0.96, p<0.001, sensitivity=85%, specificity=89%) with FES-I and 0.947 (cut-off point 10.5, 95% C.I. 0.91 - 0.98, p<0.001, sensitivity=93%, specificity=91%) with Tinetti.Conclusions:The LRMS Questionnaire showed sufficient internal consistency, excellent test–retest reliability and high correlation with the already established tools for fall risk assessment. It is short and easy to use without assistance from specially trained personnel.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Persian Version of the Self-rated Fall Risk Questionnaire for Iranian Older Adults

Background and Objectives Identification of the risk factors for falls to prevent the risk of fall and reduce the related costs in older adults is necessary. This study aims to translate and determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the self-rated fall risk questionnaire (FRQ) for Iranian older adults. Methods In this methodological study, participants were 60 older people who were selected from the Retirement Center in Qom, Iran in 2021 using a convenience sampling method. For translation, the backward/forward technique was used. Then, content validity, face validity, and construct validity were evaluated. To evaluate the construct validity, the known-groups validity (comparsion of groups with and without a history of fall), convergent and divergent validity were used. Reliability was determined by assessing internal consistency. Results The results of known-groups comparison showed that the mean score of FRQ in older people with a history of fall was higher than in older people without a history of fall. The significant correlation of the score of FRQ with the scores of timed up &amp; go test (r= 0.428, P&lt;0.001), and 30-second chair stand test (r=-0.333, P&lt;0.01) confirmed the convergent and divergent validity, respectively. The Kuder-Richardson coefficient (0.624) confirmed the internal consistency of the Persian FRQ. Conclusion The Persian version of the self-rated FRQ has satisfactory psychometric properties. It can be used to measure the risk factors of fall in fall prevention interventions for Iranian older adults.

Effects of Mat Exergame-Based Multicomponent Training on the Standing Balance of Community-Dwelling Older Adults With and Without Fall Risk

Objective: Exergames may enhance postural stability and prevent falls. This study investigated the effects of mat exergame-based multicomponent training on the static and dynamic standing balance capacities of community-dwelling older adults. Materials and Methods: Study participants comprised 34 community-dwelling older adults who were assigned into the high-risk group (yes to at least one question) or low-risk group (no to all three questions) based on the 3-item subset of a fall risk questionnaire. A 2-hour Stampede mat exergaming, including resistance, aerobics, flexibility, and balance training, was completed weekly for 3 months. The postural stability test, fall risk test, limits of stability (LOS) test, and the modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance were conducted using the Biodex Balance System SD before and after the intervention. Intervention effects within and between groups were compared. Results: After the intervention, significant improvements in the fall risk index (FRI, P = 0.007) and overall stability index (OSI, P = 0.008) were observed in the high-risk group (n = 18; mean age, 71.0 ± 4.7 years). Medium effect sizes (ESs) were noted in the low-risk group (n = 16; mean age, 70.8 ± 4.4 years) for the FRI (ES = 0.35), OSI (ES = 0.43), and LOS (ES = 0.40–0.45). The change scores were not different between groups. Conclusion: Mat exergame-based multicomponent training is effective in enhancing the standing balance. Exergame-based intervention is recommended for balance training among older adults.

ADHERENCE AND BARRIERS TO DRUG THERAPY: RELATIONSHIP WITH THE RISK OF FALLS IN OLDER ADULTS

ABSTRACT Objective: to verify the association of adherence and barriers to drug therapy with the risk of falls and the sociodemographic, clinical and economic variables. Method: a cross-sectional study, carried out with 117 aged individuals in a Medical Clinic of Specialties for Older Adults in the Southeast region of the city of São Paulo (SP), from March to November 2019. The following scales were applied: Downton Fall Risk, Morisky-Green Test and Brief Medication Questionnaire. Logistic regression was use to verify the association between adherence to the treatment and types of barriers to adherence and the risk of falls. A 5% significance level was used. Results: the older adults with low adherence to the drug treatment presented 5.57 times more chances of having a high risk of falling when compared to those with greater adherence, and those with a barrier in the recall domain had 22.75 times more chances of having a high risk of falling, in relation to the aged individuals without barriers in the recall domain. Conclusion: low and average adherence to drug therapy and the barrier related to the recall domain were associated with high risk of falls in the older adults.

Instrumented and Standard Measures of Physical Performance in Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common pathology encountered by acute care physical therapists. CKD is associated with reduced physical function and fall risk. The purpose of this study was to (1) examine the test-retest reliability of standard and instrumented physical performance measures and (2) describe the relationship between subjective fall risk and objective physical performance in people with CKD. Methods: Twenty-one adults with CKD completed a battery of standard and instrumented physical performance measures 1 week apart. Standard measures were the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), gait speed, 5 times sit-to-stand (FSTS), 2-minute walk test (2MWT), and quadriceps (QS) and grip (GS) strength dynamometry. Instrumented measures included parameters of gait, sit-stand, and postural sway. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) assessed test-retest reliability, and Pearson correlations (adjusted for age) assessed the relationships between the Fall Risk Questionnaire (FRQ) and standard physical performance. Results: Excellent to moderate test-retest reliability was demonstrated in the standard and instrumented physical performance measures. A subset of standard measures was significantly associated with the FRQ score. Conclusions: This study supports the clinical reliability of a battery of standard physical performance measures and a subset of instrumented parameters for use in adults with CKD. The FRQ may be useful for screening fall risk considering its relationship to objective physical performance.

THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR SENIOR FALL PREVENTION USING NORTHERN WALKING

Falling is one of the main problems in the lives of older people. Falls experienced affect the further life of seniors and limit their physical activity. Nordic walking can be used as a means of preventing repeated falls and promoting physical activity. Nordic walking in Lithuania is still a new and completely unexplored methodology, the full benefits of walking have not yet been proven, and little research has been done. Aim of the research was to investigate the improvement of physical activity and fall prevention in the elderly using Nordic walking. Methods of the research: Desmond Fall Risk Questionnaire; Berg Balance Scale and balance samples of Schmitz; The quality of life Questionnaire (SF-36). Results: After 7 weeks of exercises, the risk of fall decreased for all subjects. Physical activity increased statistically after doing Nordic walking, the average physical activity of the study group increased. Control groups results also improved. Conclusions: Physical activity improved statistically significantly (p 0.05) The frequency of falls decreased statistically significantly (p 0.05). The static and dynamic balance of the elderly improved statistically significantly (p 0.05). The risk of falling after NW was statistically significantly reduced (p;0.05).

Physical Fitness among Community-Dwelling Older Women with and without Risk of Falling-The Taipei Study, Taiwan.

The purposes of this study were to compare the differences in physical fitness between community-dwelling older women fallers and non-fallers, with and without a risk of falling, and to investigate the relation between physical fitness and falling risk factors. This study was a secondary data analysis from a community- and exercise-based fall-prevention program. Baseline assessments pertaining to body weight and height, self-reported chronic diseases, the 12-item fall risk questionnaire (FRQ), senior fitness test, single-leg stand test, and handgrip strength test were extracted. Participants (n = 264) were classified into fallers and non-fallers, and sub-classified according to the risk of falling (FRQ ≥4 and <4). While controlling for the effect of age, body mass index (BMI), and multimorbidity, one-way analysis of covariance indicated that older women with a risk of falling showed poorer performances of the 8-foot up-and-go, 2-min step and 30-s chair stand compared with those without a risk of falling, regardless of the history of falls. Additionally, weaker grip strength was found in non-fallers with falling risk. Some significant, but low-to-moderate, correlations were found between physical fitness tests and fall risk factors in the FRQ, particularly in gait/balance problem and leg muscle weakness. Proactive efforts are encouraged to screen and manage deterioration in the identified physical fitness.

Is functional fitness performance a useful predictor of risk of falls among community-dwelling older adults?

BackgroundFalls among older adults are a serious public health problem. Many studies indicate that positive functional fitness performance decreases the risk of falls. A limited amount of previous study has investigated the association between broad functional fitness and the fall risk. This study examines the associations between functional fitness and the risk of falling among community-dwelling older adults.MethodsThree waves of cross-sectional data were collected from 2017 to 2019 in Taipei City, Taiwan. Six hundred sixty-five participants aged ≥65 years were randomly recruited from 12 districts of Taipei. Eight functional fitness tests (i.e., back scratch, chair-sit and-reach, 8-ft up-and-go, 30-s sit-to-stand, 30-s arm curl, 30-s single-leg stance, 2-min step, and hand grip strength tests) were performed to record the physical performance of older subjects. A Chinese version of the fall-risk questionnaire (FRQ) was used to calculate the fall risk scores. Linear regression and logistic regression were utilized to estimate the relationships of each functional fitness and fall risk.ResultThe results showed that 37.45% of older adults had a high risk of falling. It was found for each functional fitness that performance was linearly associated with the risk of falling. Moreover, older adults with low-performance levels in all functional fitness except back-scratching were more likely to have a higher risk of falling.ConclusionsOur study indicated that functional fitness performance appears to provide valid predictive guidance for reducing the risk of falling among the older population.