engleski

FALL PREVENTION IN THE ELDERLY

Introduction: Every third individual older than 65 years falls at least once in a lifetime, which is associated with body injuries and psychosocial consequences, such as fear from falling in future. The aim of the study is to identify the risk factors of falls and to determine the influence of multimodal exercise programme. Methods: The study was performed in 2016, in the form of interview questionnaire based on validated and previously used questionnaires: European SHARE Questionnaire, TFI (Tilburg Frailty Indicator), MRQ-10 (Medication Risk Questionnaire-10), SF-12v2 (Short Form Survey Instrument- 12v2) and SF-36 (Short Form Survey Instrument-36). The study included subjects older than 75 years of both sexes. Exclusion criteria were dementia and institutionalised accommodation. Statistical processing was conducted on the sample of 296 subjects. Results and Discussion: A total number of 296 subjects included 204 women and 92 men. Their age was 80.74±4.69, 80 (75-97). The highest percentage of subjects has the elementary-school education (43%). Among women, 20% more of them attended general secondary school (gymnasium) than vocational schools. In the total number of subjects 56% are widowed, 73% of men live in marriage and 69% of women are widows. In physical activity several times a week engage 56% of subjects. Among daily activities, 49% of subjects perceives getting dressed or undressed as a risk of falling. The data indicate that fear of falling is lower among those who have a higher education, and vice versa ; lower education involves greater fear. Questionnaire statements relate to dressing, bathing, moving of chair, walking on a slope ground, climbing stairs, attending a social event. Those with an academic education, such as master or doctoral degree, are less concerned when picking up a thing from the floor or reaching it from above their head. The study points to the need for individual assessment in order to develop programmes of physical activities according to physical and mental abilities of each elderly person. Conclusion: Falls are a health risk among elderly population. Multimodal exercise programme which includes balance exercises, muscle strengthening and endurance exercises, can lower the risk from falls and related fractures in elderly people. Participating in this form of exercises would improve the quality of life among elderly population.

elderly, falling, physiotherapy, multimodal exercise programme

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