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

• Published in: Medicine and science in sports and exercise 2015-10, Vol.47 (10), p.2119-2128
• Main Authors: JEFFERIS, BARBARA J, MEROM, DAFNA, SARTINI, CLAUDIO, WANNAMETHEE, S GOYA, ASH, SARAH, LENNON, LUCY T, ILIFFE, STEVE, KENDRICK, DENISE, WHINCUP, PETER H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accidental Falls - prevention & control; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cohort Studies; Epidemiology; Humans; Male; Mobility Limitation; Motor Activity; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sedentary Behavior
• ISSN: 0195-9131; 1530-0315
• DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000635

BACKGROUNDPhysical 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. METHODSOne 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). RESULTSSeven hundred of 825 men had ≥600 min·d of accelerometer wear for ≥3 d. Nineteen percent (n = 128) reported falls 1 yr later. Associations between PA and falls differed by presence of mobility limitations. Among 66% (n = 471) of men without mobility limitations, number of falls increased incrementally (for every 30 min of moderate to vigorous PA [MVPA]incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–2.03, adjusted for falls risk factors). Step count was not related to number of falls below 9000 steps per day but was related to number of falls ≥9000 steps per day (for every additional 1000 steps per dayIRR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16–2.18). Among 33% (n = 229) of men with mobility limitations, falls risk declined with increasing activity (for every 1000 steps per dayIRR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70–0.91; for every 30 min of MVPAIRR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42–0.89; for every additional 30 min of sedentary behavior ≥600 min·dIRR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.07–1.40). CONCLUSIONSInterventions to promote MVPA in older men should incorporate falls prevention strategies. Among adults with mobility limitations, trials should investigate whether increasing MVPA levels can reduce falls risk.