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Distraction as cause for falls: differences between subgroups of older adults
Abstract

Distraction as cause for falls: differences between subgroups of older adults

Daniel Schoene, Stuart T Smith, Kim Delbaere and Stephen R Lord
Falls Links, Vol.7(5), p.6
World Congress on Aging and Physical Activity: A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion in Active Ageing, 8th (Glasgow, United Kingdom, 13-Aug-2012–17-Aug-2012)
2012
url
http://fallsnetwork.neura.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Falls-Links-Issue-5-2012-final-web11.pdfView
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Abstract

Human Movement and Sports Science dual tasking cognitive function faller distraction
Background: Subgroups of older people (i.e. single vs. recurrent fallers, indoor vs. outdoor fallers) have been identified which differ with respect to physical and cognitive capacities. However, it is unknown whether self-reported dual tasking at the time of a fall is associated with cognitive and physical function in older people. Methods: Independent living older adults (n = 105, 79.5±4.8years) underwent a series of physical and cognitive function tests. Fallers (≥1falls in past 12 months) were categorised as "distracted" fallers when they reported a dual task/distraction as the dominant cause of the fall or as "not distracted" fallers when they did not. Results: Thirty participants (28.6%) fell in the year prior to assessment, 10 distracted and 20 not distracted fallers. ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc tests and multiple regression analysis (adjusting for education as appropriate) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) or trends (p < 0.10) indicating the not distracted participants performed worse than the distracted fallers in tests of physical performance (Physiological Profile Assessment (p = .009), sway (p = .091), Timed-up & go (p = .014)) and cognitive function (Trail making B-A test (p = .049)). These differences could not be explained by differing proportions of recurrent fallers between groups. There were no differences between the non-fallers and distracted fallers in any test. In contrast, the not distracted fallers differed from the nonfallers in nearly every measure. Conclusions: The findings indicate different characteristics between distracted and not distracted fallers categorised by a self-report measure of dual tasking at the time of falling. The use of these subgroups may improve diagnostic accuracy of assessments and provide direction for fall prevention strategies.

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