The Prediction of Muscle Strength, Physiological Indexes, Balance, and Walking Ability on Risk of Fall for Prefrail Older People

Aim: To explore the relationship of older adults’ demographic information, physiological indices, and stages of frailty with their risks of falling. Methods: : In the cross-sectional study, a total of 221 older adults were surveyed. Results: : Results were observed in terms of the participants’ physical performance, with significant differences being observed in the correlations of left-hand grip strength, (t = 5.05, p<.000), right-hand grip strength (t = 6.03, p<.000), and total grip strength (t = 5.70, p<.000), time up and go test (t = -6.25, p<.000), and 30-sec chair stand test (t = 7.19, p<.000) with the risks of falling. The stages of frailty (X2 = 9.64, p<.002) were confirmed to be significantly associated with risks of falling. According to the logistic regression analysis results, long-term medication (OR = 0.12, 95%CI = 0.02-0.62, p < .01) and right-hand grip strength (OR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.76-0.97, p < .01) are the main predictors of older adults’ risks of falling. Conclusions: : Older females with low education, history of falls, weaker grip strengths; taking longer to finish the TUG test; and standing fewer times during the 30-second chair stand test were at risk of fall. In prediction, older people using long-term medication were at lower risk of falling, and the greater the hand grip strength was, the lower the fall risk was. According to the research results, nursing personnel must develop care programs and improving older adults’ risk of fall.