[Physical fitness associated with falls in the institutionalized elderly]

This study was conducted to mainly investigate physical functions such as Tinetti balance and gait evaluation, the right and left sides of the grips and legs strength, the time of length standing on leg, postural sway in standing, and also to clarify the case of falls in the institutionalized elderly. Subjects at the Hakuji Home for elderly in Ibaraki prefecture were examined. The subjects (n = 45) were classified into two groups: the higher ability of the activities of daily living (ADL) scales (n = 22) and the lower ability of ADL scales (n = 23). They were compared in a history of degrees of falls in the institution. The main results obtained were as follows: 1) The score of Tinetti balance and gait evaluation were significantly lower among elderly having a history of falls in the lower ability of ADL (p < 0.05). 2) The grips and legs strength were lower among all subjects expect the lower ability group of ADL scales whom rightside limbs strength was high. 3) The time length of standing on leg was shorter among elderly having a history of falls. Results of this study showed that while not statistically significant. Postual sway was more prominent among elderly having a history of falls than those without. In more cases, dementia was the cause of falls among elderly. It was suggested that nursing intervention was very important to prevent falls among the elderly of cognitive impairment in the institution for the elderly.