C Shanthi Johnson1. 1. School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 1H8, Canada. shanthi.johnson@acadiau.ca
Abstract
PURPOSE: To examine the association between nutritional risk and falls among frail older adults. METHODS: This study involved 98 frail older adults with a mean age of 82 years. Measures included background questionnaire, falls profile, a nutritional risk assessment checklist, physical parameters such as balance, lower extremity strength, and functional mobility and endurance, and psychological variables. RESULTS: Approximately 31% of participants had suffered falls. Fallers and non-fallers were similar in age, prevalence of self-reported health problems and medications use. However, fallers had a higher level of nutritional risk and poorer physical and psychological well-being compared to non-fallers. Regression analysis showed that the level of nutritional risk is a significant determinant of falls along with leg strength and balance. CONCLUSION: Although the level of nutritional risk is associated with falls, further research is necessary to establish the causal link and to explore the effectiveness of nutritional intervention as a falls prevention strategy.
PURPOSE: To examine the association between nutritional risk and falls among frail older adults. METHODS: This study involved 98 frail older adults with a mean age of 82 years. Measures included background questionnaire, falls profile, a nutritional risk assessment checklist, physical parameters such as balance, lower extremity strength, and functional mobility and endurance, and psychological variables. RESULTS: Approximately 31% of participants had suffered falls. Fallers and non-fallers were similar in age, prevalence of self-reported health problems and medications use. However, fallers had a higher level of nutritional risk and poorer physical and psychological well-being compared to non-fallers. Regression analysis showed that the level of nutritional risk is a significant determinant of falls along with leg strength and balance. CONCLUSION: Although the level of nutritional risk is associated with falls, further research is necessary to establish the causal link and to explore the effectiveness of nutritional intervention as a falls prevention strategy.
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