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Prevention of falls in the elderly
A H Myers1, Y Young, J A Langlois
1Laboratory of Behavioral Sciences, Gerontology Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Bone
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Physical activity can help prevent falls and hip fractures in older adults. Exercise interventions for community-dwelling seniors significantly reduce falls and disability, though prevention in institutionalized settings remains challenging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Falls are a major cause of hip fractures in the elderly.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for developing effective fall prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of physical activity in preventing falls and subsequent hip fractures.
- To identify physical activity-related risk factors for falls and review intervention studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature search (1976-1994) identifying 52 studies on fall risk factors and 9 intervention studies.
- Analysis of risk factors including functional limitations, gait/balance impairments, and environmental exposures.
Main Results:
- Physical activity-related risk factors include functional limitations and gait/balance impairments.
- Community-based exercise interventions significantly reduced falls and prevented new disabilities.
- Interventions in nursing homes did not prevent falls but showed other benefits.
Conclusions:
- Maintaining physical activity is critical for community-dwelling elders to prevent falls and fractures.
- Fall prevention in institutionalized elderly populations remains a significant challenge.
- Further research is needed on sustaining benefits from fall interventions.