@article{ref1,
title="Fall-related injuries in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults attending peer-led fall prevention exercise classes",
journal="Journal of geriatric physical therapy",
year="2015",
author="Wurzer, Birgit and Waters, Debra Lynn and Hale, Leigh Anne",
volume="39",
number="3",
pages="110-116",
abstract="BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To investigate reported injuries and circumstances and to estimate the costs related to falls experienced by older adults participating in Steady As You Go (SAYGO) peer-led fall prevention exercise classes. <br><br>METHODS: A 12-month prospective cohort study of 207 participants attending community-based SAYGO classes in Dunedin, New Zealand. Types and costs of medical treatment for injuries and circumstances of falls were obtained via standardized fall event questionnaires and phone-administered questionnaires. <br><br>RESULTS: Eighty-four percent completed the study (160 females, 14 males, mean age = 77.5 [standard deviation = 6.5] years). More than a third of the total falls (55/148 total falls, 37%) did not result in any injuries. Most injuries (45%, n = 67) were sprains, grazes, and bruises. Medical attention was sought 26 times (18%), out of which 6 participants (4%) reported fractures (none femoral). The majority of falls occurred while walking. More falls and injuries occurred outdoors (n = 55). The number of times medical treatment was sought correlated with the number of falls in the previous year (r = 0.50, P =.02). The total number of years attending SAYGO was a significant predictor of lower total number of injuries (stepwise regression β=-0.157, t =-1.99, P =.048). The total cost of medical treatment across all reported injurious falls was estimated at NZ$6946 (US$5415). <br><br>DISCUSSION: Older adults participating in SAYGO appear to sustain less severe injuries following a fall than previously reported. More falls and injuries occurred outdoors, suggesting better overall health of these participants. The role of long-term participation in fall prevention exercise classes on injurious falls warrants further investigation.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1539-8412",
doi="10.1519/JPT.0000000000000061",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JPT.0000000000000061"
}