Sensorimotor Performance and Reference Values for Fall Risk Assessment in Community-Dwelling Adults: The Yishun Study

This study sought to answer the following questions: What are the reference values of sensorimotor performance for fall risk in community-dwelling adults? How do population norms compare with that of other populations? Are younger adults at risk of falls?

In a cross-sectional study design, sensorimotor functions and fall risk scores of community-dwelling adults were assessed and calculated to derive corresponding fall risk categories. Reference values were determined using the average scores by age group. A total of 542 community-dwelling adults were recruited (21-90 years old) across 10-year (21-60 years) and 5-year age groups (>60 years) to obtain a representative sample of community-dwelling adults in Singapore. Five physiological domains were assessed: vision, proprioception, muscle strength, reaction time, and postural balance according to the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA). Fall risk scores and the corresponding fall risk profiles were generated from an online calculator.

Sensorimotor performance and PPA fall risk scores were significantly worse for increasing age categories. Females had significantly slower reaction time, lower muscle strength, and higher fall risk. The representative sample of older adults (≥65 years) performed poorer in postural sway (z = -0.50) and reaction time (z = -0.55), but better in proprioception (z = 0.29) and vision (z = 0.23) compared with Caucasian norms. Among younger adults (21-59 years), 36.8% appeared to exhibit higher fall risk.

This study presents important reference data and compared sensorimotor functions and physiological fall risk across age groups of community-dwelling adults in a Southeast Asian population. Poor sensorimotor performance and fall risk appear already pertinent in younger adults. Further studies are warranted to improve understanding of fall risk among younger adults.

In physical therapist practice, PPA reference values can aid clinicians in the development of targeted interventions tailored towards an individual's physiological risk profile, addressing specific physiological systems that require particular attention.