World guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults: a global initiative.

BACKGROUND: falls and fall-related injuries are common in older adults, have negative effects on functional independence and quality of life and are associated with increased morbidity, mortality and health related costs. Current guidelines are inconsistent, with no up-to-date, globally applicable ones present. OBJECTIVES: to create a set of evidence- and expert consensus-based falls prevention and management recommendations applicable to older adults for use by healthcare and other professionals that consider: (i) a person-centred approach that includes the perspectives of older adults with lived experience, caregivers and other stakeholders; (ii) gaps in previous guidelines; (iii) recent developments in e-health and (iv) implementation across locations with limited access to resources such as low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: a steering committee and a worldwide multidisciplinary group of experts and stakeholders, including older adults, were assembled. Geriatrics and gerontological societies were represented. Using a modified Delphi process, recommendations from 11 topic-specific working groups (WGs), 10 ad-hoc WGs and a WG dealing with the perspectives of older adults were reviewed and refined. The final recommendations were determined by voting. RECOMMENDATIONS: all older adults should be advised on falls prevention and physical activity. Opportunistic case finding for falls risk is recommended for community-dwelling older adults. Those considered at high risk should be offered a comprehensive multifactorial falls risk assessment with a view to co-design and implement personalised multidomain interventions. Other recommendations cover details of assessment and intervention components and combinations, and recommendations for specific settings and populations. CONCLUSIONS: the core set of recommendations provided will require flexible implementation strategies that consider both local context and resources.

A Recommended Package of Long-Term Care Services to Promote Healthy Ageing Based on a WHO Global Expert Consensus Study.

OBJECTIVES: To reach consensus on a minimum list of long-term care (LTC) interventions to be included in a service package delivered through universal health coverage (UHC). DESIGN: A multistep expert consensus process. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Multinational and multidisciplinary experts in LTC and ageing. METHODS: The consensus process was composed of 3 stages: (1) a preconsultation round that built on an initial list of LTC interventions generated by a previous scoping review; (2) 2-round surveys to reach consensus on important, acceptable, and feasible interventions for LTC; (3) a panel meeting to finalize the consensus. RESULTS: The preconsultation round generated an initial list of 117 interventions. In round 1, 194 experts were contacted and 92 (47%) completed the survey. In round 2, the same experts contacted for round 1 were invited, and 115 (59%) completed the survey. Of the 115 respondents in round 2, 80 participated in round 1. Experts representing various disciplines (eg, geriatricians, family doctors, nurses, mental health, and rehabilitation professionals) participated in round 2, representing 42 countries. In round 1, 81 interventions achieved the predetermined threshold for importance, and in round 2, 41 interventions achieved the predetermined threshold for acceptability and feasibility. Nine conflicting interventions between rounds 1 and 2 were discussed in the panel meeting. The recommended list composed of 50 interventions were from 6 domains: unpaid and paid carers' support and training, person-centered assessment and care planning, prevention and management of intrinsic capacity decline, optimization of functional ability, interventions needing focused attention, and palliative care. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: An international discussion and consensus process generated a minimum list of LTC interventions to be included in a service package for UHC. This package will enable actions toward a more robust framework for integrated services for older people in need of LTC across the continuum of care.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Life-Space Mobility of Older Adults Living in Brazil: REMOBILIZE Study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic hit Brazil in a scenario of substantial socioeconomic and health inequalities. It is unknown the immediate impact of social restriction recommendations (i.e., lockdown, stay-at-home) on the life-space mobility of older people. Objective: To investigate the immediate impact of COVID-19 pandemic on life-space mobility of community-dwelling Brazilian older adults and examine the social determinants of health associated with change in life-space mobility. Design: Baseline data from a prospective cohort study (REMOBILIZE Study). Setting: Community. Subject: A convenience snowball sample of participants aged 60 and older (n = 1,482) living in 22 states in Brazil. Methods: We conducted an online and phone survey using an adapted version of the Life-Space Assessment (LSA). Linear regression models were used to investigate social determinants of health on the change in LSA score. Results: Regardless of their gender and social determinants of health, participants showed a significant reduction in life-space mobility since COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Life-space mobility reduction was higher among black individuals, those living alone and aged between 70 and 79. Other variables associated with change in life-space mobility, to a lesser extent, were sex, education and income. Conclusion: Social restriction measures due to pandemic caused substantial reduction in older adults' life-space mobility in Brazil. Social inequalities strongly affected vulnerable groups. Concerted actions should be put in place to overcome the deterioration in life-pace mobility amongst these groups. Failure in minimizing health inequalities amplified by the pandemic may jeopardize the desired achievements of the Decade of Healthy Aging.

Effect of Senior Dance (DanSE) on Fall Risk Factors in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Older people's participation in structured exercise programs to improve balance and mobility is low. Senior Dance is an alternative option, as it may provide a safe and fun way of targeting balance. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the effect of Senior Dance on balance, mobility, and cognitive function compared with a control intervention. DESIGN: The study was a randomized controlled trial. SETTING/PATIENTS: Eighty-two community-dwelling older people aged 60 years or over and cognitively intact were recruited in Brazil. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly allocated to 2 groups: Dance plus education (intervention group) and education alone (control group). The Senior Dance program consisted of 12 weeks of twice-weekly group-based dance classes. Participants in both groups attended a single 1-hour educational session on prevention of falls. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was single-leg stance with eyes closed. Secondary outcomes were timed sit-to-stand test, standing balance test, timed 4-m walk, and cognitive function tests, for example, Trail Making Test and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. RESULTS: Of the 82 participants randomized, 71 (87%) completed the 12-week follow-up. Single-leg stance with eyes closed (primary outcome) improved in the Senior Dance group (mean difference [MD] = 2.3 seconds, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1 to 3.6) compared with the control group at follow-up. Senior Dance group performed better in the standing balance tests (MD = 3.7 seconds, 95% CI = 0.6 to 6.8) and were faster in the sit-to-stand test (MD = - 3.1 seconds, 95% CI = -4.8 to -1.4) and 4-m walk test (MD = -0.6 seconds, 95% CI = -1.0 to -0.1). There were no significant between-group differences for cognitive function tests. LIMITATIONS: Participants and therapists were not blinded. CONCLUSION: Senior Dance was effective in improving balance and mobility but not cognitive function in community-dwelling older people.

Diagnostic Accuracy of the Short Physical Performance Battery for Detecting Frailty in Older People.

BACKGROUND: The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is widely used to predict negative health-related outcomes in older adults. However, the cutoff point for the detection of the frailty syndrome is not yet conclusive. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of the SPPB for detecting frailty in community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN: This was a population-based cross-sectional study focusing on households in urban areas. A total of 744 people who were 65 years old or older participated in this study. METHODS: Frailty was determined by the presence of 3 or more of the following components: unintentional weight loss, self-reported fatigue, weakness, low level of physical activity, and slowness. Diagnostic accuracy measures of the SPPB cutoff points were calculated for the identification of frailty (individuals who were frail) and the frailty process (individuals who were considered to be prefrail and frail). Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed. Odds ratios for frailty and the frailty process and respective CIs were calculated on the basis of the best cutoff points. A bootstrap analysis was conducted to confirm the internal validity of the findings. RESULTS: The best cutoff point for the determination of frailty was ≤ 8 points (sensitivity = 79.7%; specificity = 73.8%; Youden J statistic = 0.53; positive likelihood ratio = 3.05; area under the curve = 0.85). The best cutoff point for the determination of the frailty process was ≤ 10 points (sensitivity = 75.5%; specificity = 52.8%; Youden J statistic = 0.28; positive likelihood ratio = 1.59; area under the curve = 0.76). The adjusted odds of being frail and being in the frailty process were 7.44 (95% CI = 3.90-14.19) and 2.33 (95% CI = 1.65-3.30), respectively. LIMITATIONS: External validation using separate data was not performed, and the cross-sectional design does not allow SPPB predictive capacity to be established. CONCLUSIONS: The SPPB might be used as a screening tool to detect frailty syndrome in community-dwelling older adults, but the cutoff points should be tested in another sample as a further validation step.

Physiotherapy following fragility fractures.

Physiotherapy can play a vital role in the pathway of care of people after fragility fracture and includes interventions of early mobilisation and prescription of structured exercise programmes for maximising functional recovery and reducing the risk of falls and further fractures. Although the optimal nature of physiotherapist interventions after hip and vertebral fracture requires further investigation in large-scale trials, evidence supports the prescription of high-intensity and extended exercise interventions. This article will overview interventions in the acute and chronic phases after hip fractures, interventions after vertebral fracture and the role of physiotherapy in the prevention of further fractures.

Low-level laser therapy and interferential current in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial protocol.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of low-level laser therapy and interferential current (IFC) on pain intensity, central sensitization, muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Participants will be patients aged between 50 and 80 years, with knee osteoarthritis, pain intensity ranging from 3 to 8 points (0-10 scale), Lequesne Algofunctional Index ranging from 5 to 15 points, and Kellgren & Lawrence grade ≥2. A total of 168 patients will be randomly allocated into four groups as follows: active IFC + laser sham (G1), IFC sham + active laser (G2), active IFC + laser (G3) and IFC + laser sham (G4). Evaluators will be blinded to group allocation. Primary outcomes will be pain at rest and during movement measured with the visual analog pain scale. Clinical Trials Registry (NCT02898025. Registered on 20 April 2016).

Physical Activity Level and Risk of Falling in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review examines the association between physical activity (PA) level and risk of falling in community-dwelling older adults. A search of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science was performed in January 2017. Four prospective cohort studies investigating the incidence of falls in a period of at least 12 months and its association with the level of PA in people aged 60 years and older were reviewed and pooled for meta-analysis. The pooled risk ratio (RR) for being a recurrent faller (2,420 participants) was 39% higher among those who were in the lowest PA level (RR = 1.39; 95% confidence interval [1.17, 1.65]; I2 = 0%, p = .43; p < .0001). The association between being a faller (7,927 participants) and PA level was inconclusive. This review identified that the benefit of general PA for preventing falls is associated with the adopted PA level.

What are the Main Physical Functioning Factors Associated With Falls Among Older People With Different Perceived Fall Risk?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Fall risk perceptions may influence the judgement over physical and functional competencies to avoid falls. However, few studies have explored the physical functioning characteristics associated with falls among older people with low perceived fall risk. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of falls and physical functioning factors associated with falling among community-dwelling older adults with low and high perceived fall risk. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional population based study with 773 community-dwelling elders. Perceived fall risk was investigated using Falls Efficacy Scale International. We considered fallers those who reported at least one fall in the previous 12 months. Physical functioning measures used were grip strength, usual gait speed, sit-to-stand test, five step test, timed up and go test, one-legged stance test, anterior and lateral functional reach test. RESULTS: At least one fall was reported by 103 (30%) participants with low perceived fall risk and by 196 (46%) participants with high perceived fall risk. The odds of falling were lower among those with greater grip strength and with a greater stance time in one-legged test, and the odds of falling among elders with high perceived fall risk were higher among those who took more time in performing the five step test. DISCUSSION: We believe that our results highlight the need of not neglecting the risk of falls among active older adults with low perceived fall risk, particularly in those elders that show reduced stability in a small base of support and a lower leg strength. In addition, we suggest that elders with high perceived fall risk should be assessed using anticipatory postural adjustment tests. Particularly, our results may help physiotherapists to identify eligible elders with different perceptions of fall risk for tailored interventions aimed at reducing falls. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effectiveness of Senior Dance on risk factors for falls in older adults (DanSE): a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Strong evidence shows that exercise is effective to improve fall risk factors among older people. However, older people's participation and adherence to exercise programmes is suboptimal. Type of exercise and apathy are reported to be barriers to exercise participation, suggesting that new effective interventions are needed. The primary aim of this randomised controlled trial is to investigate the effect of Senior Dance plus brief education for falls prevention on balance among people aged 60 years or over, compared with a control group receiving only brief education. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This single-blind randomised controlled trial will involve 82 community-dwelling older people aged 60 years or over who are cognitively intact. Participants allocated to the intervention group will attend a single educational class on strategies to prevent falls, and will participate in a 12-week, twice-weekly group-based programme of Senior Dance. The Senior Dance consists of different choreographies, which include rhythmic and simple movements with rhythmic folk songs. Participants allocated to the control group will attend the same educational class that intervention group participants will receive, and will be instructed not to take part in any regular exercise programme. The primary outcome will be single-leg stance with eyes closed. Secondary outcomes include: Short Physical Performance Battery, Falls Efficacy Scale, Trail Making Test and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Continuous outcomes will be reported using mean (SD) or median (IQR), depending on the distribution of the data. The linear regression approach to analysis of covariance will be used to compare the mean effect between groups. All patients will be included in the analyses following an intention-to-treat approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval has been granted by the Human Ethics Committee of the São Paulo State University (CAAE 48665215.9.0000.5402). Outcomes will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02603523, Pre-results.

Association among measures of mobility-related disability and self-perceived fatigue among older people: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between self-perceived fatigue with different physical functioning tests and functional performance scales used for evaluating mobility-related disability among community-dwelling older persons. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study. The sample was composed of older persons with 65 years of age or more living in Cuiabá, MT, and Barueri, SP, Brazil. The data for this study is from the FIBRA Network Study. The presence of self-perceived fatigue was assessed using self-reports based on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. The Lawton instrumental activities of daily living scale (IADL) and the advanced activities of daily living scale (AADL) were used to assess performance and participation restriction. The following physical functioning tests were used: five-step test (FST), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and usual gait speed (UGS). Three models of logistic regression analysis were conducted, and a significance level of α<0.05 was adopted. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 776 older adults with a mean age (SD) of 71.9 (5.9) years, of whom the majority were women (74%). The prevalence of self-perceived fatigue within the participants was 20%. After adjusting for covariates, SPPB, UGS, IADL, and AADL remained associated with self-perceived fatigue in the final multivariate regression model. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that there is an association between self-perceived fatigue and lower extremity function, usual gait speed and activity limitation and participation restriction in older adults. Further cohort studies are needed to investigate which physical performance measure may be able to predict the negative impact of fatigue in older adults.

Association among measures of mobility-related disability and self-perceived fatigue among older people: a population-based study

Objective: To investigate the relationship between self-perceived fatigue with different physical functioning tests and functional performance scales used for evaluating mobility-related disability among community-dwelling older persons. Method: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study. The sample was composed of older persons with 65 years of age or more living in Cuiabá, MT, and Barueri, SP, Brazil. The data for this study is from the FIBRA Network Study. The presence of self-perceived fatigue was assessed using self-reports based on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. The Lawton instrumental activities of daily living scale (IADL) and the advanced activities of daily living scale (AADL) were used to assess performance and participation restriction. The following physical functioning tests were used: five-step test (FST), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and usual gait speed (UGS). Three models of logistic regression analysis were conducted, and a significance level of α<0.05 was adopted. Results: The sample was composed of 776 older adults with a mean age (SD) of 71.9 (5.9) years, of whom the majority were women (74%). The prevalence of self-perceived fatigue within the participants was 20%. After adjusting for covariates, SPPB, UGS, IADL, and AADL remained associated with self-perceived fatigue in the final multivariate regression model. Conclusion: Our results suggest that there is an association between self-perceived fatigue and lower extremity function, usual gait speed and activity limitation and participation restriction in older adults. Further cohort studies are needed to investigate which physical performance measure may be able to predict the negative impact of fatigue in older adults. .

The work ability index and functional capacity among older workers.

BACKGROUND: Decreases in functional ability due to aging can impair work capacity and productivity among older workers. OBJECTIVE: This study compares the sociodemographics, health conditions, and physical functioning abilities of young and old workers as well as correlates of physical functioning capacity with the work ability index (WAI). METHOD: This exploratory, cross-sectional study examined employees of a higher education institution (HEI) and those of a metallurgical industry. Older workers (50 years old or above) were matched for gender and occupation type with younger workers (less than 50 years old). The following evaluations were applied: the multidimensional assessment questionnaire (which included sociodemographic, clinical, health perception, and physical health indices), the WAI, and a battery of physical functional tests. RESULTS: Diseases and regularly used medications were more common among the group of aging workers. The WAI did not differ between groups (p=0.237). Both groups showed similar physical functional capacity performances with regard to walking speed, muscle strength, and lower limb physical functioning. Aging workers showed a poorer performance on a test of right-leg support (p=0.004). The WAI was moderately correlated with the sit-to-stand test among older female workers (r=0.573, p=0.051). CONCLUSIONS: Unfavorable general health conditions did not affect the assessment of work ability or most of the tests of physical functional capacity in the aging group.

The work ability index and functional capacity among older workers / Indice de capacidade para o trabalho e capacidade funcional em trabalhadores mais velhos

BACKGROUND: Decreases in functional ability due to aging can impair work capacity and productivity among older workers. OBJECTIVE: This study compares the sociodemographics, health conditions, and physical functioning abilities of young and old workers as well as correlates of physical functioning capacity with the work ability index (WAI). METHOD: This exploratory, cross-sectional study examined employees of a higher education institution (HEI) and those of a metallurgical industry. Older workers (50 years old or above) were matched for gender and occupation type with younger workers (less than 50 years old). The following evaluations were applied: the multidimensional assessment questionnaire (which included sociodemographic, clinical, health perception, and physical health indices), the WAI, and a battery of physical functional tests. RESULTS: Diseases and regularly used medications were more common among the group of aging workers. The WAI did not differ between groups (p=0.237). Both groups showed similar physical functional capacity performances with regard to walking speed, muscle strength, and lower limb physical functioning. Aging workers showed a poorer performance on a test of right-leg support (p=0.004). The WAI was moderately correlated with the sit-to-stand test among older female workers (r=0.573, p=0.051). CONCLUSIONS: Unfavorable general health conditions did not affect the assessment of work ability or most of the tests of physical functional capacity in the aging group. .

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O declínio da capacidade funcional, decorrente do envelhecimento, pode comprometer a capacidade para o trabalho e a produtividade dos trabalhadores mais velhos. OBJETIVO: Comparar o perfil sociodemográfico, as condições de saúde e a capacidade físico-funcional de trabalhadores jovens e mais velhos e correlacionar as medidas físico-funcionais ao índice de capacidade para o trabalho (ICT). MÉTODO: Estudo exploratório, transversal, com trabalhadores de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior e uma Indústria Metalúrgica. Os trabalhadores mais velhos (50 anos ou mais) foram pareados em relação ao gênero e ao tipo de ocupação a trabalhadores jovens (menos de 50 anos). Foram utilizados questionário de avaliação multidimensional, contendo dados sociodemográficos, clínicos, percepção da saúde e saúde física, o ICT e uma bateria de testes físico-funcionais. RESULTADOS: O número de doenças e número de medicamentos de uso regular foram maiores para o grupo de trabalhadores mais velhos. O ICT não apresentou diferença entre os grupos (p=0,237). A capacidade físico-funcional revelou desempenho similar entre os grupos em medidas de velocidade de caminhada, de força muscular e de função física de MMII. Os trabalhadores mais velhos apresentaram um pior desempenho apenas no teste de apoio unipodal direito (p=0,004). O ICT se mostrou correlacionado de forma moderada ao sit-to-stand test entre as mulheres do grupo de trabalhadores mais velhos (r=0,573, p=0,051). CONCLUSÃO: A avaliação da capacidade para o trabalho e a maior parte dos testes de capacidade físico-funcional no grupo mais velho parecem não ter sido ...

Gait characteristics of younger-old and older-old adults walking overground and on a compliant surface / Características da marcha de idosas jovens e muito idosas em solo estável e sobre superfície complacente

BACKGROUND: Walking across unstable surfaces disturbs normal stability and efficient strategies must be used to avoid falls. This study identified age-related changes in gait during unstable surface walking. METHOD: Eight healthy younger-old adults (YOG, mean age, 68.6 years) and eight healthy older-old adults (OOG, mean age, 82.1 years) were assessed. Both groups performed the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and walked on a rigid and on a compliant surface while kinematic data were obtained. RESULTS: The OOG needed more time to complete the TUG test compared to YOG (F1,14=5.18; p=0.04). The gait speed, stride length and vertical displacement of the foot were similar for both groups, but they were slower (F1,14=5.64; p=0.03) when walking on the compliant surface. The knee and hip range of motion on the sagittal plane (F1,14=191.9; p<0.001 and F1,14=36.4, p<0,001, respectively) increased on the complaint surface but no group effect was found. The displacement of upper trunk on the frontal plane was similar between groups (F1,14=2.43; p=0.14) and conditions (F1,14=1.15; p=0.3). The OOG had greater displacement of the pelvic segment on the frontal plane than the YOG (F1,14=4.9; p=0.04) mainly for the complaint surface. CONCLUSIONS: Older-old individuals have slower TUG test and greater displacement of the pelvic segment on a compliant surface. More challenging tasks and/or environment should be used for gait assessment and intervention of older adults with risk of falls.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Caminhar em superfícies instáveis perturba a estabilidade corporal, e estratégias eficientes devem ser utilizadas para evitar quedas. Objetivo: Identificar alterações da marcha relacionadas ao envelhecimento durante a caminhada em superfície instável. MÉTODO: Oito idosos jovens sadios (GIJ, idade média, 68,6 anos) e oito idosos muito idosos sadios (GMI, idade média, 82,1 anos) foram avaliados. Ambos os grupos realizaram o Teste Timed Up and Go (TUG) e andaram sobre uma superfície rígida e uma complacente, enquanto dados cinemáticos foram registrados. RESULTADOS: O GMI levou mais tempo para completar o TUG quando comparado ao GIJ (F1,14=5,18; p=0,04). A velocidade, o comprimento do passo e o deslocamento vertical do pé foram similares entre os grupos, e ambos foram mais lentos (F1,14=5,64; p=0.03) ao andar sobre a superfície complacente. A amplitude de movimento do joelho e do quadril no plano sagital (F1,14=191,9; p<0,001 e F1,14=36,4, p<0,001, respectivamente) aumentaram na superfície complacente, mas nenhuma diferença entre os grupos foi encontrada. O deslocamento do tronco superior no plano frontal foi similar entre os grupos (F1,14=2,43; p=0,14) e condições (F1,14=1,15; p=0,3). O GMI teve maior deslocamento do segmento da pelve no plano frontal do que o GIJ (F1,14=4,9; p=0,04), principalmente na superfície complacente. CONCLUSÃO: Indivíduos muito idosos são mais lentos no TUG e apresentam maior deslocamento do segmento pélvico na superfície complacente. Tarefas e/ou ambientes mais desafiadores deveriam ser usados para avaliação da marcha e intervenção em idosos com risco de quedas.

Gait characteristics of younger-old and older-old adults walking overground and on a compliant surface.

BACKGROUND: Walking across unstable surfaces disturbs normal stability and efficient strategies must be used to avoid falls. This study identified age-related changes in gait during unstable surface walking. METHOD: Eight healthy younger-old adults (YOG, mean age, 68.6 years) and eight healthy older-old adults (OOG, mean age, 82.1 years) were assessed. Both groups performed the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and walked on a rigid and on a compliant surface while kinematic data were obtained. RESULTS: The OOG needed more time to complete the TUG test compared to YOG (F1,14=5.18; p=0.04). The gait speed, stride length and vertical displacement of the foot were similar for both groups, but they were slower (F1,14=5.64; p=0.03) when walking on the compliant surface. The knee and hip range of motion on the sagittal plane (F1,14=191.9; p<0.001 and F1,14=36.4, p<0,001, respectively) increased on the complaint surface but no group effect was found. The displacement of upper trunk on the frontal plane was similar between groups (F1,14=2.43; p=0.14) and conditions (F1,14=1.15; p=0.3). The OOG had greater displacement of the pelvic segment on the frontal plane than the YOG (F1,14=4.9; p=0.04) mainly for the complaint surface. CONCLUSIONS: Older-old individuals have slower TUG test and greater displacement of the pelvic segment on a compliant surface. More challenging tasks and/or environment should be used for gait assessment and intervention of older adults with risk of falls.

Fall-related factors among less and more active older outpatients / Fatores associados a quedas em pacientes idosos ambulatoriais menos ativos e mais ativos

BACKGROUND: Fall-related factors in older adults with different levels of physical activity, within a multidimensional approach, have not been widely investigated. OBJECTIVE: To explore fall-related factors among older adults with different physical activity levels. METHODS: A cross-sectional, exploratory study with 118 older adult outpatients. Participants who reported at least one fall in the previous 12 months were considered fallers. The activity level was assessed through the Human Activity Profile. A cutoff of 54 points was used to define the less active group and the more active group. A multidimensional questionnaire and a set of physical functioning tests were applied. RESULTS: Fall prevalence was lower among the more active older adults (47.4%) when compared with the less active older adults (71.4%) (p<0.013). Logistic regression analysis showed that, among the more active group, falls were associated with: depressive symptoms (OR=0.747, 95%CI=0.575-0.970; p=0.029), concern about falling (OR=1.17, 95%CI=1.072-1.290; p=0.001), and self-selected walking speed (OR=0.030, 95%CI=0.004-0.244; p=0.001). For the less active group, the model was composed of age (OR=1.197, 95%CI=1.032-1.387; p=0.017) and functional disability (OR=14.447, 95%CI=1.435-145.45; p=0.023). CONCLUSION: For the more active older adults, reduced self-efficacy suggests that falling can trigger some protective behavior, such as slower gait and depressive symptoms, but the casual link between falls and these outcomes should be further investigated. These data emphasize that physical therapists should be aware that there are differences in fall-related factors depending on the older patients' physical activity level, and this must be considered when planning interventions for this population.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Fatores relacionados a quedas em idosos com diferentes níveis de atividade física, por meio de uma abordagem multidimensional, não têm sido amplamente investigados. OBJETIVO: Explorar os fatores relacionados a quedas em idosos com diferentes níveis de atividade física. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal exploratório com 118 pacientes idosos ambulatoriais. Participantes que relataram ao menos uma queda nos últimos 12 meses foram considerados caidores. O nível de atividade física foi avaliado por meio do Perfil de Atividade Humana (PAH). O ponto de corte de 54 pontos foi usado para definir o grupo menos ativo e o grupo mais ativo. Um questionário multidimensional e uma bateria de testes físico-funcionais foram utilizados. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de quedas foi menor no grupo de idosos mais ativos (47,4%) quando comparada à dos idosos menos ativos (71,4%) (p<0,013). A análise de regressão logística multivariada identificou que, no grupo mais ativo, ter caído estava associado a sintomas depressivos (OR=0,747, IC95%=0,575-0,970; p=0,029), preocupação em cair (OR=1,17, IC95%=1,072-1,290; p=0,001) e velocidade de marcha autosselecionada (OR=0,030, IC95%=0,004-0,244; p=0,001). Para o grupo menos ativo, o modelo foi composto de idade (OR=1,197, IC95%=1,032-1,387; p=0,017) e incapacidade funcional (OR=14,447, IC95%=1,435-145,45; p=0,023). CONCLUSÃO: Para os idosos mais ativos, a redução na autoeficácia pode sugerir que cair desencadeia alguns comportamentos protetores, tais como lentidão na marcha e sintomas depressivos, mas a relação causal entre quedas e esses desfechos devem ser mais investigados. Esses dados enfatizam que os fisioterapeutas devem ficar atentos ao fato de que há diferenças nos fatores relacionados a quedas, dependendo do nível de atividade física dos pacientes idosos, e isso deve ser considerado ao se planejarem intervenções para tal população.

Fall-related factors among less and more active older outpatients.

BACKGROUND: Fall-related factors in older adults with different levels of physical activity, within a multidimensional approach, have not been widely investigated. OBJECTIVE: To explore fall-related factors among older adults with different physical activity levels. METHODS: A cross-sectional, exploratory study with 118 older adult outpatients. Participants who reported at least one fall in the previous 12 months were considered fallers. The activity level was assessed through the Human Activity Profile. A cutoff of 54 points was used to define the less active group and the more active group. A multidimensional questionnaire and a set of physical functioning tests were applied. RESULTS: Fall prevalence was lower among the more active older adults (47.4%) when compared with the less active older adults (71.4%) (p<0.013). Logistic regression analysis showed that, among the more active group, falls were associated with: depressive symptoms (OR=0.747, 95%CI=0.575-0.970; p=0.029), concern about falling (OR=1.17, 95%CI=1.072-1.290; p=0.001), and self-selected walking speed (OR=0.030, 95%CI=0.004-0.244; p=0.001). For the less active group, the model was composed of age (OR=1.197, 95%CI=1.032-1.387; p=0.017) and functional disability (OR=14.447, 95%CI=1.435-145.45; p=0.023). CONCLUSION: For the more active older adults, reduced self-efficacy suggests that falling can trigger some protective behavior, such as slower gait and depressive symptoms, but the casual link between falls and these outcomes should be further investigated. These data emphasize that physical therapists should be aware that there are differences in fall-related factors depending on the older patients' physical activity level, and this must be considered when planning interventions for this population.

Characteristics associated with activity restriction induced by fear of falling in community-dwelling elderly.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the social-demographic, clinical, functional and psychological factors associated to activity restriction due to fear of falling in community-dwelling elderly and identify which variables best discriminate groups of elderly with different levels of activity restriction and fear of falling. METHODS: One hundred and thirteen community-dwelling elderly (74.5±7 years old) participated in the study. Activity restriction induced by fear of falling, previous falls, fall related self-efficacy, frailty phenotype, functional capacity, depressive symptoms, health self-perception, socio-demographic and clinical factors were assessed. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to analyze the associations between activity restriction due to fear of falling and all other variables. Path analysis (CHAID) method was used to verify which variables better discriminated groups in relation to activity restriction (α=0.05). RESULTS: The participants who reported fear of falling and activity restriction demonstrated higher depression (p=0.038), lower fall related self-efficacy (p<0.001), lower gait velocity (p=0.043) and independence level for instrumental daily living activities (p=0.017), higher number of diseases (p=0.048), worse health self-perception (p=0.040) and more depressive symptom (p=0.023). The best variables to discriminate groups were depression (p=0.004), exhaustion (frailty phenotype) (p=0.010) and social participation activities (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: Activity restriction due to fear of falling may have negative effects on functional capacity and psychological aspects in community-dwelling elderly. Psychosocial factors seem to better discriminate the elderly who avoid activities due to fear of falling.