Understanding fall risk factors in community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: Ageing is associated with increased risk for falling. Identification of risk factors is crucial for the prevention of falls in older people. Methods: A total of 508 older adults were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Assessment of the risk factors was performed collecting basic data and health-related information and performing morphofunctional evaluations (strength and flexibility of lower body and dynamic balance). Results: A significantly greater proportion of women experienced fall episodes within the past year. Additionally, certain chronic diseases were detected to be significantly more prevalent in the fall subgroup compared to the non-fall subgroup. The non-fall subgroup showed significantly better scores of lower-body strength and dynamic balance than the fall subgroup. Conclusion: Multivariable regression analysis revealed that lower-body strength was the most significant risk factor for fall event(s) within the past year, likely influenced by the concurrent presence of debilitating diseases.