The association between nutritional risk and falls among frail elderly.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between nutritional risk and falls among frail older adults.


METHODS
This study involved 98 frail older adults with a mean age of 82 years. Measures included background questionnaire, falls profile, a nutritional risk assessment checklist, physical parameters such as balance, lower extremity strength, and functional mobility and endurance, and psychological variables.


RESULTS
Approximately 31% of participants had suffered falls. Fallers and non-fallers were similar in age, prevalence of self-reported health problems and medications use. However, fallers had a higher level of nutritional risk and poorer physical and psychological well-being compared to non-fallers. Regression analysis showed that the level of nutritional risk is a significant determinant of falls along with leg strength and balance.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the level of nutritional risk is associated with falls, further research is necessary to establish the causal link and to explore the effectiveness of nutritional intervention as a falls prevention strategy.
Johnson
C Shanthi
CS
School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 1H8, Canada. shanthi.johnson@acadiau.ca
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D005684:Gait; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors