Examination of the Characteristics and Relevant Physical Factors Associated with Persistent Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Exploratory Prospective Cohort Study

Original Article

J Frailty Sarcopenia Falls 2025 Dec; 10(4):229-240 Copied!

10.22540/JFSF-10-229 Copied!

Yosuke Morimoto^1,2, Daisuke Tashiro³, Tohmi Osaki³, Ran Uchitomi⁴, Mizuki Kobashi⁵, Tomoki Yanase^2,5, Hironobu Kakihana¹

Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe City, Hyogo, Japan
Department of Rehabilitation, Nishi-Kinen Port-island Rehabilitation Hospital, Kobe City, Hyogo, Japan
Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe City, Hyogo, Japan
Division of Applied Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe City, Hyogo, Japan
Graduate school of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe City, Hyogo, Japan

Keywords:

Abstract

Objectives:

This exploratory cohort study aimed to identify the physical factors associated with persistent falls, defined as falls occurring over two consecutive years, in the older population.

Methods:

We conducted a 1-year prospective cohort of community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years who were living independently at enrolment. Baseline assessments included gait speed, handgrip strength, and muscle-specific strength (MSS). The participants were classified as persistent falls if they reported ≥1 fall in both periods.

Results:

Persistent fallers exhibited significantly decreased gait speed (0.88 [0.59–1.10] m/s vs. 1.15 [1.00–1.27]; p = 0.006, r = 0.337), handgrip strength (19.9 [17.0–27.8] kg vs. 25.0 [21.5–30.0] kg; p = 0.041, r = 0.253), and MSS (64.6 [58.2–69.2] % vs. 73.0 [66.6–79.2] %; p = 0.008, r = 0.327) compared to non-persistent fallers. Slower gait speed was most strongly associated with persistent falls (OR = 0.01, p=0.035), while handgrip strength (OR = 0.84, p = 0.096) and MSS (OR = 0.91, p = 0.066) were only mildly associated.

Conclusions:

These exploratory findings suggest slow gait speed exhibited a significant association and MSS and handgrip strength exhibited potential associations with persistent falls in community-dwelling older adults.