The risk factors related to falling in elderly females

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between muscle strength and functional mobility and falls in women aged 65 and over. Thirty-one female subjects with a mean age of 69.57 +/- 4.89 years (65-78) were enrolled in the study. Demographic properties, body mass index, comorbid medical conditions, smoking, the number of medications taken, and fall characteristics were recorded. Knee flexor and extensor strength of the dominant extremity was measured by Biodex isokinetic system, and physical capacity was assessed with a 6-minute walk test. Cognitive status was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination, and disability in daily activities was determined with the Barthel Index. Twelve subjects (38.7%) reported experiencing a fall in the previous year. Eight (25.8%) had experienced a fall outside the home and 4 (12.9%) inside the home. Nine subjects had fallen once, 2 subjects twice, and 1 subject had fallen 3 times. Six (19.4%) subjects reported a fracture after falling. Muscle strength of the knee extensors and flexors and work capacity was similar between those who had fallen and those who had not. The risk factors related to falling were evaluated, but no related factor was determined. Fear of falling was found to be high in patients who had fallen in the previous year. In conclusion, knee extensor and flexor strength are not significant factors in falls or the risk of falling for elderly women, particularly those who are able to function independently. Balance tests in current use are not effective predictors of falls in older adults who live independently and who do not have any significant health problem. These results suggest that there may be a significant interactive effect of the many causal factors that we need to address. Further study is needed to develop new assessment tools for active elderly people to help prevent falls and fall-related injuries.