Prospective study of restriction of activity in old people after falls.

The levels of activity of two populations of fall victims (at home and in an institution) were studied before and then 6 months after an apparently minor fall, in comparison with a control group. The fall victims had a lower level of activity than the controls. They walked less indoors, and found it more difficult to get out. These differences may be considered predictive factors for falls. It was also found that the falls resulted in a restriction of activity and appear to be a factor that aggravates and accelerates the effects of ageing.