Factors Associated with Falls in Low-risk Elderly Individuals and Preventive Approaches

II Masakazu, YAMANAKA Takeyuki, SUZUKI Kazuhiro, HIROSE Taketo, JINNO Yusuke, YAMADA Kazumasa

doi:10.1589/rika.32.763

[Purpose] To clarify factors associated with falls in the elderly who are regarded as individuals with a lower risk of falls (low-risk elderly) based on their TUG test results, and consider effective fall prevention approaches. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-nine elderly females with a TUG time of 13.5 seconds or shorter were divided into fall and non-fall groups based on the history of falls to compare the following items between them: the numbers of steps needed to walk normally during walk and sit-to-walk tasks; velocity of a forward shift in the center of gravity when standing during the sit-to-walk task; motor functions; and the level of fear of falling. [Results] Compared with the non-fall group (19), the fall group (10) needed 1 more step to walk normally during the sit-to-walk task, and their velocity of a forward shift in the center of gravity was significantly lower. Their markedly higher level of fear of falling was also noted. [Conclusion] A higher level of fear of falling was the most important factor associated with falls in the low-risk elderly with a history of falls, suggesting the necessity of improving their movement patterns as a fall prevention approach.

Factors Associated with Falls in Low-risk Elderly Individuals and Preventive Approaches

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