PERCEIVED PHYSICAL FATIGABILITY INCREASES PROSPECTIVE FALL RISK: THE OSTEOPOROTIC FRACTURES IN MEN STUDY (MROS). (11th November 2018) - Renner, S W
Abstract: Falls occur in 25% of adults aged ≥65 years. The number of fall-related injuries is increasing, highlighting the need to identify modifiable risk factors. We examined the role of perceived physical and mental fatigability on prospective fall risk in 2, 113 men aged 77–101 years (mean=84.6 ± 4.3) in MrOS. The Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (0–50 score) was completed in 2014–16; established cutpoints classified higher physical (≥15, 57%) and higher mental (≥13, 26.1%) fatigability. Prospective falls were captured by triannual questionnaire post-fatigability assessment. After 12 months, 25.3% with higher vs. 16.7% with lower physical fatigability had a fall; 29.1% with higher vs. 19% with lower mental fatigability had a fall. Using GEE, higher physical fatigability increased prospective fall risk by 20% (RR: 1.20, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.44) independent of mental fatigability, and adjusted for demographics, medical history, medications, depression, and physical and cognitive function. Higher physical fatigability may indicate a high-risk group for fall risk interventions.