[Muscle and bone health as a risk factor of fall among the elderly. Prevention of falls in the elderly].
Falls are major cause of injury, loss of confidence, and admission to institutional care. Preventing falls requires a systematic diagnostic approach focused on identifying and reducing risk factors. Previous studies found that the risk factors most related to falls in an elderly population were : impairment in musculoskeletal function, such as poor balance and weak muscular strength ; reduced walking speed. Some of these risk factors may be modifiable by a program of regular exercise. The exercise programs targeting lower extremity muscular strength, balance, and walking speed have lowered the risk of falling in some randomized controlled trials. However, few studies have reported the effect of exercise intervention on falls in residential care facilities.
Kim
Hunkyung
H
Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Research Team for Promoting Independence of the Elderly.
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology