Factors Associated with the Risk of Falls of Nursing Home Residents Aged 80 or Older.

Background: Falls are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in older and represents one of the major and most costly public health problems worldwide.

Purpose: Evaluate the influences of lower limb muscle performance, static balance, functional independence and quality of life on fall risk as assessed with the timed up and go (TUG) test.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: Fifty-two residents aged 80 or older were assessed and distributed in one of the two study groups (no risk of falls; risk of falls) according to the time to complete the TUG test. A Kistler force platform and linear transducer was used to determinate lower limb muscle performance. Postural Stability (static balance) was measured by recording the center of pressure. The EuroQol-5 dimension was used to assess Health-related quality of life and the Barthel index was used to examine functional status. Student's t-test was performed to evaluate the differences between groups. Correlations between variables were analyzed using Spearman or Pearson coefficient. ROC (receiver operating charasteristic) analysis was used to determine the cut-off points related to a decrease in the risk of a fall.

Findings: Participants of no-fall risk group showed better lower limb performance, quality of life, and functional status. Cut-off points were determined for each outcome.

Conclusions: Risk of falls in nursing home residents over the age of 80 is associated with lower limb muscle performance, functional status, and quality of Life.

Clinical Relevance: Cut-off points can be used by clinicians when working toward fall prevention and could help in determining the optimal lower limb muscle performance level for preventing falls.