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Intraindividual variability and falls in older adults
Sarah Bauermeister1, Graham Sutton2, Mark Mon-Williams1
1School of Psychology, University of Leeds.
Neuropsychology
|November 11, 2016
Summary
Intraindividual variability (IIV) in reaction time is a key indicator of fall risk in older adults. This measure, along with motor function decline, can help identify individuals prone to falls.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Falls and related injuries pose a significant healthcare burden in older adults.
- Identifying individuals at high risk for falls is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between reaction time intraindividual variability (IIV) and falls in older adults.
- To determine if IIV can serve as a simple measure to identify fall risk.
Main Methods:
- 108 adults (aged 53-93 years) were assessed for cognitive and motor function.
- Logistic regression and structural equation modeling were used to analyze fall data.
- Participants included 42 individuals with a history of falls in the prior two years.
Main Results:
- Greater medication use, IIV, postural sway, weaker grip strength, and slower gait speed distinguished fallers from non-fallers.
- IIV predicted falls through motor function, such as gait.
- IIV also predicted executive function, but executive function did not uniquely predict falls.
Conclusions:
- IIV measures reflect cognitive and motor decline in older adults.
- IIV shows potential for identifying older adults at risk of falling in clinical and community settings.
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