Citation

Iinattiniemi S, Jokelainen J, Luukinen H. Int. J. Circumpolar Health. 2008; 67(2-3): 235-244.

Affiliation

Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland. sari.iinattniemi@oulu.fi

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, International Union for Circumpolar Health, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

18767343

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between different types of physical exercise and the risk of subsequent fall-related injury. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of the home-dwelling elderly. METHODS: A population sample of home-dwelling subjects aged 85 years or older (n = 512) in northern Finland participated in the study. Baseline data were collected by home-nursing staff through postal questionnaires and clinical tests. Frequency and times of physical exercise--that is, walking exercise and other exercise (home exercise, group exercise, gardening, cross-country skiing, dancing, swimming, bicycling)--and falls were recorded by a nurse examiner, who telephoned the participants 8 times during a 2-year follow-up period. Statistical analyses were based on Cox regressions and pooled logistic regressions. RESULTS: The risk of injury-causing falls was reduced by other exercise taken at least 1 hour per week compared with corresponding non-exercise; adjusted odds ratio 0.37 (0.19-0.72) but not by walking exercise. The risk of injury-causing falls was not increased by any kind or amount of exercise taken. Female sex, a history of recent fall-related injury and poor baseline near-vision acuity were the other significant predictors of injury-causing falls. CONCLUSIONS: Habitual physical exercise proved to be safe and some of the exercises were associated with reduced risk of subsequent fall-related injury. Female sex, an injury-causing fall in the recent past and problems with near vision increased the risk.

Language: en