Which types of activities are associated with risk of recurrent falling in older persons?

G. M.E.E. Peeters, Lisanne M. Verweij, Natasja M. Van Schoor, Mirjam Pijnappels, Saskia M.F. Pluijm, Marjolein Visser, Paul Lips

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background.This study explored the associations between various types of activities, their underlying physical components, and recurrent falling in community-dwelling older persons.Methods.This study included 1,329 community-dwelling persons (≥65 years) of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). The time spent in walking, cycling, light and heavy household activities, and two sports was measured using the LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire (LAPAQ). Physical activity components included strength, intensity, mechanical strain, and turning. Time to second fall in a 6-month period was measured during 3 years with fall calendars. Cox proportional hazards models were adjusted for confounders and stratified for physical performance and sex in case of significant (p <. 10) interaction.Results.During 3 years, 325 (24.5%) persons became recurrent fallers. In women, doing light (hazard ratios [HRs] = 0.40, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] = 0.20-0.79) or heavy household activities (HR = 0.63, CI = 0.44-0.79) was associated with a decreased risk of recurrent falling. In persons with good physical performance, doing sports (HR = 1.56, CI = 1.07-2.28), high intensity (HR > 1.75, CI = 1.09-3.16), and high mechanical strain (HR = 1.70, CI = 1.01-2.83) activities was associated with an increased risk of recurrent falling.Conclusions.The results suggest that the relationship between physical activity and recurrent falling differs per type of activity and is modified by physical performance. Doing household activities was associated with a decreased risk of recurrent falling in women. In physically fit older persons, doing sports or activities with high intensity or mechanical strain demands was associated with an increased risk of recurrent falling.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)743-750
Number of pages8
JournalJournals of Gerontology - Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences
Volume65 A
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Accidental falls
  • Aged
  • Physical activity
  • Physical performance

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