Authors (including presenting author) :
Au JYT(1), Leung KYK(1), Cheung CMG(1), Wong YHV(1), Chan JSP(1), Leung HC(2), Chan YCD(1), Fong CH(2), Lee TH(2), Siu CY(2), Cheng HK(2), Leung KLK(1), Yeung EMP(2)
Affiliation :
Physiotherapy Department Kowloon Hospital (1) Department of Rehabilitation Kowloon Hospital (2)
Introduction :
Older adults are subjected to risk of falls which could induce serious concerns, especially in those with physical and functional impairments. Recurrent fall also leads to high risk of further physical deterioration and institutionalization. Jockey Club Integrated Rehabilitation Day Centre of Kowloon Hospital provides training to older adults who had history of falls in the past 12 months. Identification of potential physical components which make them more prone to further falls can facilitate better planning of rehabilitation program to cater their need to prevent secondary falls in community-dwelling fallers.
Objectives :
To evaluate the physical and functional performance in older adults in geriatric day hospital who have history of falls.
Methodology :
Patients who had history of falls reported in the past 12 months were recruited in the study from September to November 2024 at the Jockey Club Integrated Rehabilitation Day Centre of Kowloon Hospital. Comparisons in Body-Mass-Index(BMI), muscle strength(Maximal handgrip strength(HGS) and Five-Times Sit-to-Stand(5xSTS)), balance(Berg Balance Scale(BBS), Timed Up and Go test(TUG) and Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance(CTSIB-M)), and confidence levels during ambulation(Activities-Specific Balance Confidence(ABC) Scale) were done with the normative values of local community dwelling elderly by one sample t-test.
Result & Outcome :
30 participants, including 23 females and 7 males aged 62-95, were recruited. Significant difference was noted in BMI(21.1 vs 24), HGS(15.1 vs 24.1), 5xSTS(26.2 vs 11.6), BBS(28 vs 37), TUG(40.3 vs 14) and ABC Scale(32.9 vs 71.6)(p<0.05) when compared with the normative data of community dwelling elderly. CTSIB-M also found significantly lower outcomes as compared to full score(79.2 vs 120). This indicates poorer functional performance and less confidence in ambulation in this group of subjects when compared with the community dwelling elderly. Poor lower limb muscle strength and less efficient integration of somatosensory, visual and vestibular senses may be the underlying physical constrains leading reduced functional performance. Community-dwelling fallers may also develop less confidence in balance during daily activities which hinders their participation of physical and social activities, which prone to further deterioration of physical and mental health. A more focused fall prevention program targeting in these areas are warranted to minimize the risk of repeated falls and regain confidence of this group of subjects.
