Low five-repetition chair stand test and usual gait speed scores predict falls within one year in an outpatient clinic for frailty.

Purpose: Falls in older adults increase the risk of mortality and hospitalization, particularly when physical function is low. This study aimed to determine whether low physical function and muscle mass, are also valuable for predicting falls within one year in older patients who visited an outpatient clinic for frailty.

Methods: This prospective cohort study analyzed the registry data of 624 outpatients aged > 65 years (mean age: 77.9 ± 6.0 years; female 368, male 256). The endpoint was the incidence of falls within one year. These included the five-chair standing test (5CS), usual gait speed, short physical performance battery, handgrip strength, and skeletal muscle mass index. All of these tests were performed during the first clinic appointment. The question about fall history was asked one year after the examination, and the history of falls during the period of one year from the date of the examination. We analyzed the relationship between whether these assessments were below the cutoff values and falls within one year using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: A total of 154 (25%) patients fell within one year. Those with a low result on the 5CS or usual gait speed had significantly higher rates of falls within one year, even after adjustment for covariates, with odds ratios [95% confidence interval] of 2.07 [1.37-3.13] and 1.68 [1.09-2.60], respectively.

Conclusion: Low physical function, particularly in the lower limbs, was associated with near-term fall risk. The 5CS is helpful in fall risk assessment.