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Relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and falls in older adults: A population-based study
Julia Araujo de Figueiredo1, Magno Conceição Garcia1, Aldair J Oliveira2
1Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Social Medicine/State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Aim:
The present study investigated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and episodes and severity of falls in older adults.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study drew on data from the Brazilian 2019 National Health Survey. The sample consisted of 18 991 older adults (aged ≥60 years). CRF was obtained through a non-exercise model for estimating VO2max, and the people were classified as low, moderate or high CRF. Logistic and multinomial regression models were used. Odds ratios (ORs) and their respective confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.
Results:
Older adults with strong CRF are 29% (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.52-0.92) less likely to suffer falls than those with poor CRF. High levels of CRF were also associated with non-severe falls. However, no associations were found between CRF and severe falls with fractures and medical intervention.
Conclusion:
Although good CRF levels can reduce the chance of falls, this protection does not extend to falls with more severe consequences, such as fractures and the need to seek medical care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 167-172.
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