There is in elderly men a group difference between fallers and non-fallers in physical performance tests

Abstract

SIR—Fall-related injuries are a common cause of morbidity and mortality [ 1, 2]. The number of falls increases with age [ 3–5] so that 59% of community-dwelling women and 33% of men over 85 fall at least once annually [ 6–9]. Falls account for 10% of visits to emergency departments [ 2], where one of the most common injuries is a fracture [ 10–12]. Muscle strength, balance and functional capacities are traits that have been suggested as predictive factors for falls [ 13], predominantly evaluated in women and high-risk cohorts [ 13]. This study therefore evaluated whether physical performance tests and estimates of physical activity could discriminate male fallers from non-fallers.