Lifestyle predicts falls independent of physical risk factors
DOI
10.1007/s00198-009-0909-y
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
12-1-2009
Publication Title
Osteoporosis International
Volume
20
Issue
12
First Page
2025
Last Page
2034
ISSN
0937941X
Keywords
Behavioral risk factors, Fall rates, Falls, Lifestyle, Physical risk factors, Risk factors
Abstract
Many falls occur among older adults with no traditional risk factors. We examined potential independent effects of lifestyle on fall risk. Not smoking and going outdoors frequently or infrequently were independently associated with more falls, indicating lifestyle-related behavioral and environmental risk factors are important causes of falls in older women. Introduction: Physical and lifestyle risk factors for falls and population attributable risks (PAR) were examined. Methods: We conducted a 4-year prospective study of 8,378 community-dwelling women (mean age=71 years, SD=3) enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. Data on number of falls were self-reported every 4 months. Fall rates were calculated (# falls/woman-years). Poisson regression was used to estimate relative risks (RR). Results: Physical risk factors (p≤0.05 for all) included tall height (RR = 0.89 per 5 in.), dizziness (RR=1.16), fear of falling (RR=1.20), self-reported health decline (RR=1.19), difficulty with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) (RR=1.12, per item), fast usual-paced walking speed (RR=1.18, per 2 SD), and use of antidepressants (RR=1.20), benzodiazepines (RR=1.11), or anticonvulsants (RR=1.62). Protective physical factors (p≤0.05 for all) included good visual acuity (RR=0.87, per 2 SD) and good balance (RR=0.85 vs. poor). Lifestyle predicted fewer falls including current smoking (RR=0.76), going outdoors at least twice weekly but not more than once a day (RR=0.89 and vs. twice daily). High physical activity was associated with more falls but only among IADL impaired women. Five potentially modifiable physical risk factors had PAR≥5%. Conclusions: Fall interventions addressing modifiable physical risk factors with PAR≥5% while considering environmental/behavioral risk factors are indicated.
Open Access
Hybrid_Gold
Repository Citation
Faulkner, K., Cauley, J., Studenski, S., Landsittel, D., Cummings, S., Ensrud, K., Donaldson, M., & Nevitt, M. (2009). Lifestyle predicts falls independent of physical risk factors. Osteoporosis International, 20 (12), 2025-2034. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-009-0909-y