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European Review of Aging and Physical Activity

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Open Access 01-04-2012 | Metaanalysis

Impact of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on fall risks in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Authors: Marie Thibaud, Frédéric Bloch, Caroline Tournoux-Facon, Cyril Brèque, Anne Sophie Rigaud, Benoît Dugué, Gilles Kemoun

Published in: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

The objective of this work was to summarise and evaluate the evidence showing that physical activity is a protector factor as regards falls in older people. Relevant studies were identified through a systematic search in the MEDLINE and Cochrane Library, under the keywords of accidental fall/numerical data and risk factors, and with the bibliographies of retrieved papers. The combined odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval] for physical activity was 0.75 [0.64, 0.88] with moderate heterogeneity (I ² = 33%). For fall injury, it was 0.59 [0.47, 0.74] and, for falls in general, it rose to 0.94 [0.76, 1.17] with nil heterogeneity. The combined OR for sedentary factors was 1.14 [1.10, 1.82] with moderate heterogeneity (I ² = 36%). Regular physical activity in daily life yields significant reduction in falls in older people, especially falls with injuries.

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Title: Impact of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on fall risks in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Marie Thibaud
Frédéric Bloch
Caroline Tournoux-Facon
Cyril Brèque
Anne Sophie Rigaud
Benoît Dugué
Gilles Kemoun
Publication date: 01-04-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 1813-7253
Electronic ISSN: 1861-6909
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11556-011-0081-1

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