Citation

Murayama A, Higuchi D, Saida K, Tanaka S, Shinohara T. J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 2022; 34(4): 311-314.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Society of Physical Therapy Science)

DOI

10.1589/jpts.34.311

PMID

35400832

PMCID

PMC8989482

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to assess fall-related risk factors among community-dwelling older adults during a period of voluntary self-isolation for preventing the spread of COVID-19. [Participants and Methods] This was a cross-sectional study. Survey questionnaire forms were distributed to 2,586 community-dwelling older adults in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Completed questionnaires were returned by mail. [Results] Of the 1,645 people who responded, 1,040 people aged 65 and over who did not apply for long-term care insurance and fully completed the questionnaire were included in this study. Since no in-person measurements were required, we utilized the Frailty Screening Index for the evaluations. We evaluated the relationship between questionnaire responses and fall rates among community-dwelling older adults. Among the results, "yes" responses to "Do you think you walk more slowly than before?" were identified as significantly associated with falls. [Conclusion] One must pay careful attention to subjectively assessing decreases in walking speed as a fall prevention measure during periods of self-restraint to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection.

Language: en

Keywords

COVID-19; Self-isolation; Walking speed