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Open Access 01-12-2009 | Original Article

Lifestyle predicts falls independent of physical risk factors

Authors: K. A. Faulkner, J. A. Cauley, S. A. Studenski, D. P. Landsittel, S. R. Cummings, K. E. Ensrud, M. G. Donaldson, M. C. Nevitt, for the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 12/2009

Abstract

Summary

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.

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Title: Lifestyle predicts falls independent of physical risk factors
Authors: K. A. Faulkner
J. A. Cauley
S. A. Studenski
D. P. Landsittel
S. R. Cummings
K. E. Ensrud
M. G. Donaldson
M. C. Nevitt
for the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group
Publication date: 01-12-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 12/2009
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-009-0909-y

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Lifestyle predicts falls independent of physical risk factors

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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