Mediator Effect of Balance Problems on Association Between Grip Strength and Falls in Older Adults: Results From the KORA-Age Study:

Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine

Marjan Arvandi¹ 

关键词: aged;    balance;    grip strength;    falls;   

DOI  :  10.1177/2333721418760122

学科分类：医学（综合）

来源: Sage Journals

【 摘 要 】

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.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC