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Functional mobility discriminates nonfallers from one-time and frequent fallers.
K B Gunter1, K N White, W C Hayes
1Bone Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97330, USA.
Summary
Frequent fallers are at higher risk for hip fractures. The Get Up and Go test effectively distinguishes fallers from non-fallers, highlighting the need for targeted fall prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Public Health
Background:
- Hip fractures are predominantly caused by falls, with frequent fallers facing a higher risk.
- Identifying performance variables to differentiate faller types is crucial for effective prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if performance variables can distinguish frequent fallers from one-time fallers and nonfallers.
- To assess the utility of functional mobility and lower extremity strength/power tests in fall risk stratification.
Main Methods:
- 157 participants (77.4 ± 5.4 years) were categorized into nonfallers (n=48), one-time fallers (n=56), and frequent fallers (n=53).
- Functional mobility and lower extremity strength/power were assessed using tests like the Get Up and Go and Tandem Gait.
Main Results:
- Nonfallers were significantly faster than fallers in the Get Up and Go test.
- The Get Up and Go test successfully discriminated between fallers and nonfallers, with 71.2% correct classification post-validation.
- No significant differences were found between one-time and frequent fallers on assessed measures.
Conclusions:
- The Get Up and Go test is a valuable tool for differentiating fallers from nonfallers.
- Fall prevention strategies should prioritize enhancing functional mobility and lower extremity strength and power.