Physical Activity Patterns and Their Impact on Fall Risk in Older Adults: A Latent Class Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Falls pose a significant threat to older adults' health and independence.
• Existing research often examines single physical activity types, overlooking combined patterns.
• Understanding sex-specific physical activity patterns is crucial for effective fall prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify distinct physical activity patterns among older adults using Latent Class Analysis.
• To investigate the association between these physical activity patterns and fall risk, considering sex differences.
• To inform targeted fall prevention strategies for older populations.

Main Methods:

• Latent Class Analysis applied to Korean Community Health Survey data (N=68,996, aged ≥65).
• Classified participants into physical activity subgroups based on vigorous, moderate, walking, and flexibility exercises, stratified by sex.
• Logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship between physical activity subgroups and fall experience, controlling for confounders.

Main Results:

• Four distinct physical activity patterns were identified for both males and females.
• No significant sex differences in fall risk were found across male physical activity subgroups.
• Among females, engaging in walking alone or walking with flexibility exercises was associated with a higher fall risk compared to the most active group (moderate PA, walking, and flexibility).

Conclusions:

• Combined physical activity, including moderate intensity, walking, and flexibility, is associated with reduced fall risk in older adults, particularly women.
• Sex-specific physical activity patterns influence fall risk, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
• Promoting comprehensive physical activity routines can enhance healthy aging and mitigate fall-related injuries.