Examination of the Characteristics and Relevant Physical Factors Associated with Persistent Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Exploratory Prospective Cohort Study.

Abstract

Objectives: This exploratory cohort study aimed to identify the physical factors associated with persistent falls, defined as falls occurring over two consecutive years, in the older population.

Methods: We conducted a 1-year prospective cohort of community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years who were living independently at enrolment. Baseline assessments included gait speed, handgrip strength, and muscle-specific strength (MSS). The participants were classified as persistent falls if they reported ≥1 fall in both periods.

Results: Persistent fallers exhibited significantly decreased gait speed (0.88 [0.59-1.10] m/s vs. 1.15 [1.00-1.27]; p = 0.006, r = 0.337), handgrip strength (19.9 [17.0-27.8] kg vs. 25.0 [21.5-30.0] kg; p = 0.041, r = 0.253), and MSS (64.6 [58.2-69.2] % vs. 73.0 [66.6-79.2] %; p = 0.008, r = 0.327) compared to non-persistent fallers. Slower gait speed was most strongly associated with persistent falls (OR = 0.01, p=0.035), while handgrip strength (OR = 0.84, p = 0.096) and MSS (OR = 0.91, p = 0.066) were only mildly associated.

Conclusions: These exploratory findings suggest slow gait speed exhibited a significant association and MSS and handgrip strength exhibited potential associations with persistent falls in community-dwelling older adults.