Physical Activity and Falls in Older Men: The Critical Role of Mobility Limitations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Physical activity (PA) has many health benefits but may increase falls risk among older adults. We study how objectively measured habitual daily PA is related to falls by exploring the modifying effect of mobility limitations and the mediating roles of fitness and lower-limb strength.

Methods

One thousand six hundred fifty-five (53%) of 3137 surviving participants (men age 71-91 yr) in an ongoing UK-population-based cohort study wore an ActiGraph GT3x accelerometer over the hip for 1 wk in 2010-2012 to measure PA (exposure) and reported demographic and health status, including mobility limitations. One year later, 825 men reported falls history (outcome).

Results

Seven hundred of 825 men had ≥600 min·d of accelerometer wear for ≥3 d. Nineteen percent (n = 1

SUBMITTER: Jefferis BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5131688 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature