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Role of physical activity in the occurrence of falls and fall-related injuries in community-dwelling adults over 50 years old
Purpose: This study examined the effect of the type, level and amount of physical activity in falls
and fall-related injuries. Method: Participants were 506 community-dwelling adults aged450
years (390 women: 67.7 6.8 years and 116 men: 69.6 6.6 years). Falls, fall-related injuries
(slight and severe), and physical activity (type, level and energy expenditure) were evaluated by
questionnaires. Confounders included co-morbidities, fear of falling, environmental hazards and
physical fitness. Results: After adjustment for confounders, logistic analysis revealed that the
likelihood of falling decreased by 2% for each 100 metabolic expenditure (MET-min/week) of
total physical activity and increased by 5% for each 100 MET-min/week of vigorous-intensity
physical activity; total physical activity 41125 MET-min/week and vigorous physical activity
5500 MET-min/week were identified as cut-off values discriminating non-fallers from fallers.
Compared to the low physical activity level, increased physical activity levels diminished the
likelihood of the occurrence of severe fall-related injuries by 76% (moderate) and 58% (high;
p50.05) in fallers. Conclusions: Being active, especially sufficiently active, reduces fall-related
injuries by decreasing falls and by safeguarding against severe injuries when falls occur. At least
1125 MET-min/week of total physical activity including 4500 MET-min/week of vigorous
intensity seems to prevent falls and, therefore, fall-related injuries
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