The role of quadriceps muscle strength in the development of falls in the elderly people, a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundFalls are a major health issue in the elderly people and an important cause of bone fracture. The aim of this study was to determine the association between quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) and falls in the elderly subjects.MethodsAll eligible participants of the Amirkola Cohort Study entered the study. Data regarding demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory examinations were provided between 2011 to 2014. Occurrence of falls during previous year was determined by interview and review of the medical records. The study patients were divided into low, moderate and high muscle strength groups according to QMS values ≥ 30, 15–30, and < 15 kg respectively). Association between muscle strength and falls was determined by using multiple logistic regression analysis with calculation of odds ratio (OR).ResultsA total 1028 participants (females, 44.3%) were analyzed and 178(17.3%) subjects experienced a fall. Individuals with falls had higher age (p = 0.001) and lower QMS value (p = 0.001). After adjustment for all clinical and demographic variables, occurrence of falls was negatively associated with QMS and positively associated with age > 70 years old. Compared to group with QMS ≥ 30 kg, the prevalence of falls in low and moderate QMS groups increased by OR = 3(95% CI, 1.78–5.05) and 2.18 (95% CI, 1.22–3.42) respectively.ConclusionThese findings indicate that older subjects with lower QMS are at greater risk of falls. These findings provide a rational for muscle strengthening exercise in older people.

Understanding fall risk factors in community‐dwelling older adults: A cross‐sectional study

“…With regard to sociodemographic characteristics, female gender is identified as an influential risk factor for falls in this population, which is in agreement with previous studies carried out in the Portuguese older population (Moniz‐Pereira, Carnide, Machado, Andre, & Veloso, ; Moniz‐Pereira et al, ). A higher prevalence of falls is also reported in women in other regions of the world (Jeon, Gu, & Yim, ; Lavedán et al, ; Nicklett, Taylor, Rostant, Johnson, & Evans, ), which could be linked to an inherent bone fragility in postmenopausal women caused by osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, obesity and vitamin D deficiency (Ahmadiahangar et al, ; Rezende Cde, Gaede‐Carrillo, & Sebastião, ). For this reason, some countries, such as the United States, recommend screening for osteoporosis in all women ≥65 years and in younger women at increased risk (USPSTF, ).…”

“…Physiological decline inherently accompanies the ageing process, affecting, among other factors, physical fitness. Consequently, falls are one of the major causes of injuries and mortality in older adults, affecting their quality of life and independence (Ahmadiahangar et al, ; Esain, Rodriguez‐Larrad, Bidaurrazaga‐Letona, & Gil, ). Frequently, falls are a consequence of the concurrence of several risk factors that can be classified as intrinsic and extrinsic factors (Pfortmueller, Lindner, & Exadaktylos, ).…”

“…Frequently, falls are a consequence of the concurrence of several risk factors that can be classified as intrinsic and extrinsic factors (Pfortmueller, Lindner, & Exadaktylos, ). Among these factors, sarcopenia, comorbidity and polypharmacy seem to increase fall risk incidence to a great extent (Ahmadiahangar et al, ; Esain et al, ; Gafner et al, ; Pfortmueller et al, ). Unfortunately, some of the consequences for older adults are physical harm, loss of self‐confidence and lack of autonomy to perform daily tasks that ultimately lead to depression and social isolation (Ahmadiahangar et al, ; Worapanwisit, Prabpai, & Rosenberg, ).…”

“…Among these factors, sarcopenia, comorbidity and polypharmacy seem to increase fall risk incidence to a great extent (Ahmadiahangar et al, ; Esain et al, ; Gafner et al, ; Pfortmueller et al, ). Unfortunately, some of the consequences for older adults are physical harm, loss of self‐confidence and lack of autonomy to perform daily tasks that ultimately lead to depression and social isolation (Ahmadiahangar et al, ; Worapanwisit, Prabpai, & Rosenberg, ). In this sense, it has been demonstrated that multifactorial interventions are more effective in the prevention of falls and fall‐related injuries (Goodwin et al, ).…”

Effects of A “Modified” Otago Exercise Program on the Functional Abilities and Social Participation of Older Adults Living in the Community—The AGA@4life Model

“…Decreased muscle strength due to the ageing process is also related to the risk of falls during gait. Considering the importance of gait in functioning, independence, and mobility [11,12], it is fundamentally important to prescribe exercise programs to improve strength [13].…”