Incidence and associated factors for single and recurrent falls among the elderly in an urban community of Beijing.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of falls and recurrent falls, and explore associated factors for single and recurrent falls among urban community-dwelling elderly in Beijing. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 472 elderly in the Longtan community of Dongcheng district, Beijing in 2009. Data regarding the incidence of fall and recurrent falls in the previous year, as well as associated factors were collected from the elderly through face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: The incidence of falls and recurrent falls was 17.8% and 6.1%, respectively, and it increased with age (χ2for trend=21.06, 19.20, P=0.001, 0.002). Binary logistic stepwise regression analysis showed that age (OR=2.20), living alone (OR=4.67) and gait disturbance (OR=1.27) were risk factors, while housing with elevators (OR=0.35), appropriate width/height of stair steps (OR=0.78), sufficient lighting for stairway (OR=0.45) and regular exercise (OR=0.12) could lower the risk for single fall; factors such as low monthly family income (OR=1.39), poor vision (OR=1.83), low physical ability (OR=4.47), abnormal static balance (OR=2.48), and fear of falls(OR=2.23) were risk factors, while appropriate width/height of stair steps (OR=0.49) and easiness of access to daily supplies (OR=0.41) were protective factors for recurrent falls. CONCLUSION: The incidence of falls in community-dwelling elderly people in Beijing is common, and falls and their related injuries have been associated with both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

[Human genetics of physical performance].

Development of human molecular genetics gradually revealed that certain people seem to have congenital capacity in physical performance, and this capacity may correlate with genes. Recently, more and more evidences have shown that genes control some physical characters, such as extreme motion, muscle strength, endurance, ductility, fatigue recovery, and VO2max, ect. The development of spaceflight in China and nation defence urgently require appearance of this study, and its application will help to find physically potential individuals in advance and save large amount of money in the later systematic training.

[Association between genetic factor and physical performance].

Correlation study between physical performance and gene has become a hot topic. Evidences have indicated that human capacity is partially influenced by genetic factors. Since 2000, the genetic studies of locomotion have progressed rapidly. More than 70 genetics markers associated with physical performance have been studied, such as VO(2max) (maximal oxygen uptake), muscle strength and lactate threshold. This research could be used to detect the special individual in spaceflight project and national defense project. Obviously, genetic detection of the special individual at early stage will save time and fund as compared with traditional training system. The present paper is to summarize some major international studies on aerobic exercise related genes and loci. We expect that the present article may provide helpful information to promote the project in China.

[A prospective study on recurrent falls and related factors in elderly from the urban communities in Beijing].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence and risk factors for recurrent falls in community-dwelling elderly in Beijing. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 472 elderly in the Longtan community of Dongcheng district,Beijing in 2009. Data on recurrent falls within the past 12 months were collected through face-to-face interview, with both single factor analysis and logistic regression analysis used to explore the related factors on recurrent falls in the elderly. RESULTS: The incidence of recurrent falls among 472 older adults was 6.1% (29) within the past 12 months. Results from logistic regression analysis showed that factors as higher family monthly income(OR = 1.39, 95% CI:0.67-2.16), afraid of being fallen(OR = 2.23, 95% CI:1.47-3.85)and abnormal static balance(OR = 2.48, 95% CI:1.84-4.05)were risk factors, while bench height in the surrounding environment(OR = 0.49, 95% CI:0.21-1.12)and easiness of access to daily supplies (OR = 0.41, 95%CI:0.14-1.16)were protective factors for recurrent falls. CONCLUSION: The incidence of recurrent falls among the elderly from the communities in Beijing was high. Since falls could be caused by various factors, intervention should be targeting on risk factors in a multi-dimensional way.