Vitamin D status and physical function in older Finnish people: A one-year follow-up study.

Objective: The aim was to describe vitamin D status and its association with changes in PF during 12 months in Finnish community-dwelling elderly (≥65 years).

Methods And Results: Baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentration was measured by enzymeimmunoassay, and participants (n=518) were divided according to 25OHD to three groups (I <50 nmol/l, II 50-74.9 nmol/l, and III ≥75 nmol/l).

Increased muscle strength improves managing in activities of daily living in fall-prone community-dwelling older women.

Background And Aims: The aim of this longitudinal study was to describe whether an increase in knee extension strength is associated with improvements in managing in activities of daily living (ADL) and in self-perceived physical condition in fall-prone community-dwelling older women.

Methods: Subjects (n=417) aged ≥ 65 years belonged either to intervention or control groups in a 12-month randomized controlled fall prevention trial. Isometric muscle strength of knee extension was measured with an adjustable dynamometer chair.

Quality of life as an outcome of fall prevention interventions among the aged: a systematic review.

Background: Measuring quality of life (QOL) is an important part in assessing the effects of treatments and health services on patients' well-being. This kind of an assessment should be included when assessing the effects of preventive programmes. The aim was to explore whether QOL has been used as an outcome measure in fall prevention trials and to provide a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that involve fall prevention interventions with an assessment of the effects on QOL among the aged.

Effects of risk-based multifactorial fall prevention on health-related quality of life among the community-dwelling aged: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: This study aimed to assess the effects of a risk-based, multifactorial fall prevention programme on health-related quality of life among the community-dwelling aged who had fallen at least once during the previous 12 months.

Methods: The study is a part of a single-centre, risk-based, multifactorial randomised controlled trial. The intervention lasted for 12 months and consisted of a geriatric assessment, guidance and treatment, individual instruction in fall prevention, group exercise, lectures on themes related to falling, psychosocial group activities and home exercise.