Abstract
Objective: To examine the association between grip strength and history of falls among older individuals, and to assess the possible mediating effect of balance problems on this relationship. Method: Data originate from KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg)-Age Study of 808 individuals (65 years and above). Follow-up assessment occurred 3 years later. Results: The risk of falls within the last 12 months was reduced on average by 3 (odds ratio OR 95% confidence interval 95% CI = 0.97 0.94, 0.99; p value = .026) per 1-kg increase in maximum grip strength after adjusting for age and gender. There was a trend toward an indirect effect of grip strength through the mediator variable balance problems (p value = .043). Discussion: Increased muscular strength is associated with a reduced risk of falls in older age after adjustment for age and gender. The association is partially mediated by balance problems. Thus, in older adults, muscle-strengthening exercises may decrease the risk of falling.
Item Type: | Journal article |
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Keywords: | aged; balance; grip strength; falls |
Faculties: | Medicine > Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology Medicine > Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology > Epidemiology of Vertigo and Dizziness |
Subjects: | 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health |
URN: | urn:nbn:de:bvb:19-epub-43052-3 |
ISSN: | 2333-7214 |
Language: | English |
Item ID: | 43052 |
Date Deposited: | 12. Apr 2018, 07:30 |
Last Modified: | 04. Nov 2020, 13:18 |