Abstract
Background and purpose:
Falls are very common in older adults with dementia (OWD). Gait performance has been shown to be associated with falls in OWD. Gait measures that can predict falls in this population are yet to be investigated. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine whether gait measures can predict falls in OWD.
Methods:
This is a secondary analysis of a systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases were searched from inception until 27 January 2023 (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022303670). Retrospective or prospective studies that evaluated the associations between the physical performance measures and falls in OWD were included. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in each physical performance measure between fallers and non-fallers was calculated.
Results:
Twenty-five studies were included. Dual-task gait speed (SMD = -0.45; [-0.85, -0.05]), dual-task cadence (SMD = -0.41; [-0.81, -0.01]), base of support variability (SMD = 0.25; [0.01, 0.49]), and backward gait speed (SMD = -0.46; [-0.89, -0.04]) could predict falls in OWD. Subgroup analyses showed that gait speed (SMD = -0.21; [-0.38, -0.05]) could identify fallers in those who were staying in residential care facilities or hospitals.
Conclusion:
Gait speed and cadence during dual task, base of support variability, and backward gait speed can be used to predict falls in OWD. Gait speed can be used to predict falls in institutionalized OWD.
Falls are very common in older adults with dementia (OWD). Gait performance has been shown to be associated with falls in OWD. Gait measures that can predict falls in this population are yet to be investigated. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine whether gait measures can predict falls in OWD.
Methods:
This is a secondary analysis of a systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases were searched from inception until 27 January 2023 (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022303670). Retrospective or prospective studies that evaluated the associations between the physical performance measures and falls in OWD were included. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in each physical performance measure between fallers and non-fallers was calculated.
Results:
Twenty-five studies were included. Dual-task gait speed (SMD = -0.45; [-0.85, -0.05]), dual-task cadence (SMD = -0.41; [-0.81, -0.01]), base of support variability (SMD = 0.25; [0.01, 0.49]), and backward gait speed (SMD = -0.46; [-0.89, -0.04]) could predict falls in OWD. Subgroup analyses showed that gait speed (SMD = -0.21; [-0.38, -0.05]) could identify fallers in those who were staying in residential care facilities or hospitals.
Conclusion:
Gait speed and cadence during dual task, base of support variability, and backward gait speed can be used to predict falls in OWD. Gait speed can be used to predict falls in institutionalized OWD.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 23 Jun 2023 |
| Event | The Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association 60th Anniversary Conference - Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Duration: 23 Jun 2023 → 25 Jun 2023 |
Conference
| Conference | The Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association 60th Anniversary Conference |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Hong Kong |
| City | Hong Kong |
| Period | 23/06/23 → 25/06/23 |