Effects of life space and physical function on the fall risk of the frail elderly

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of field of activities and physical function on falls by the frail elderly population. [Subjects] Twenty-four persons receiving support and 25 persons receiving care participated in this study. All the subjects were able to walk by themselves during most activities of daily living, and used outpatient rehabilitation services. [Methods] The field of activities of the subjects was evaluated using the life-space assessment (LSA), and physical functions were assessed using measures of gait velocity, the timed up and go test (TUG), grip strength, and the Barthel index. [Results] Logistic regression analysis found that LSA and TUG had significant effects on falls. The risk of a fall increased with increasing TUG time and LSA score. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that not only physical function, but the field of activities should be evaluated to prevent falls by the frail elderly.