Multifactorial Screening Tool for Determining Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Adults Aged 50 Years or Over (FallSensing): Protocol for a Prospective Study (Preprint)

Abstract

Background: Falls are a major health problem among older adults. About a third of community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or over fall each year. The risk of falling can be increased by polypharmacy, vision impairment, high blood pressure, environmental home hazards, fear of falling and changes in function of musculoskeletal and sensory systems, associated with aging. Moreover, individuals who experienced previous falls are at higher risk. Nevertheless falls can be prevented by screening to detect risk factors. Objective: To understand if FallSensing screening tool is able to determine the fall risk of community-dwelling adults aged 50 years or over. Methods: FallSensing screening tool is a technological solution for fall risk screening, including a software, a pressure platform and two inertial sensors. The screening software includes questions about sociodemographic and health and lifestyle behaviors, a detailed explanation about procedures to accomplish six functional tests (Grip Strength, Timed Up and Go, 30 seconds Sit-to-Stand, Step test, 4 Stage Balance test "modified" and 10 meters Walking Speed) and three questionnaires concerning environmental risk, activities and participation profile related to mobility and self-efficacy for exercise. The questions registers information about demographic and anthropometric data (age, sex, height and weight), Fear of Falling, history of fall (previous 12 months), health conditions, medication, sedentary lifestyle, upper extremities assistance to stand from a chair, living settings, alcohol habits, self-perceived health and unintentional or involuntary weight lost. We will recruit community-dwelling adults aged 50 years or over, independent to be standing and walking with or without walking aids in different regions of continental Portugal. In order to be a representative sample of Portuguese population, a minimum of 385 participants is needed. Results: The development of the FallSensing screening tool started in October 2015, and the screening of participants started in June 2016 and continues by the time of submission. A set of seniors' university, parish councils, physical therapy clinics and other community facilities have consented to participate in the study. Conclusions: In order to develop a multifactorial screening tool for fall risk in community-dwelling adults, it is essential to identify key risk factors for falls and select the best method to evaluate them. FallSensing screening tool, gathers a multifactorial assessment, designed and studied through the best evidence, which seek to identify factors that influence the fall risk. Understanding these factors, will allow that preventive strategies could be implemented and decrease falls rates.