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Injury Prevention : Journal of the... Dec 2019To determine whether multifactorial falls prevention interventions are effective in preventing falls, fall injuries, emergency department (ED) re-presentations and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether multifactorial falls prevention interventions are effective in preventing falls, fall injuries, emergency department (ED) re-presentations and hospital admissions in older adults presenting to the ED with a fall.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
DATA SOURCES
Four health-related electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched (inception to June 2018).
STUDY SELECTION
RCTs of multifactorial falls prevention interventions targeting community-dwelling older adults ( ≥ 60 years) presenting to the ED with a fall with quantitative data on at least one review outcome.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two independent reviewers determined inclusion, assessed study quality and undertook data extraction, discrepancies resolved by a third.
DATA SYNTHESIS
12 studies involving 3986 participants, from six countries, were eligible for inclusion. Studies were of variable methodological quality. Multifactorial interventions were heterogeneous, though the majority included education, referral to healthcare services, home modifications, exercise and medication changes. Meta-analyses demonstrated no reduction in falls (rate ratio = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.58 to 1.05), number of fallers (risk ratio = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.18), rate of fractured neck of femur (risk ratio = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.53 to 1.25), fall-related ED presentations (rate ratio = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.84 to 1.16) or hospitalisations (rate ratio = 1.14; 95% CI: 0.69 to 1.89) with multifactorial falls prevention programmes.
CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to support the use of multifactorial interventions to prevent falls or hospital utilisation in older people presenting to ED following a fall. Further research targeting this population group is required.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Accidents, Home; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Emergency Service, Hospital; Environment Design; Hospitalization; Humans; Primary Prevention; Program Development; Program Evaluation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Secondary Prevention
PubMed: 31289112
DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2019-043214 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2022This study aimed to analyze the effects of multicomponent exercise training in older women with osteoporosis. We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study aimed to analyze the effects of multicomponent exercise training in older women with osteoporosis. We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines and registered on PROSPERO (number CRD42022331137). We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and CINHAL databases for randomized experimental trials that analyzed the effects of physical exercise on health-related variables in older women with osteoporosis. The risk of bias in the studies was verified using the Cochrane Collaboration tool and the Jadad scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. Fourteen randomized controlled trials were included, with a total of 544 participants in the experimental group and 495 in the control group. The mean age of all participants was 68.4 years. The studies combined two to four different exercise types, including strength, aerobic, balance, flexibility, and/or functional fitness training. The practice of multicomponent training with an average of 27.2 weeks, 2.6 sessions per week, and 45 min per session showed improvements in strength, flexibility, quality of life, bone mineral density, balance, and functional fitness and reduced the risk of falls in older women with osteoporosis. Multicomponent training was shown to be effective in improving health-related variables in older women with osteoporosis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Quality of Life; Postural Balance; Exercise; Osteoporosis; Accidental Falls; Exercise Therapy; Muscle Strength; Resistance Training
PubMed: 36361073
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114195 -
JAMA Nov 2017Falls result in substantial burden for patients and health care systems, and given the aging of the population worldwide, the incidence of falls continues to rise. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
IMPORTANCE
Falls result in substantial burden for patients and health care systems, and given the aging of the population worldwide, the incidence of falls continues to rise.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the potential effectiveness of interventions for preventing falls.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Ageline databases from inception until April 2017. Reference lists of included studies were scanned.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of fall-prevention interventions for participants aged 65 years and older.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Pairs of reviewers independently screened the studies, abstracted data, and appraised risk of bias. Pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were conducted.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Injurious falls and fall-related hospitalizations.
RESULTS
A total of 283 RCTs (159 910 participants; mean age, 78.1 years; 74% women) were included after screening of 10 650 titles and abstracts and 1210 full-text articles. Network meta-analysis (including 54 RCTs, 41 596 participants, 39 interventions plus usual care) suggested that the following interventions, when compared with usual care, were associated with reductions in injurious falls: exercise (odds ratio [OR], 0.51 [95% CI, 0.33 to 0.79]; absolute risk difference [ARD], -0.67 [95% CI, -1.10 to -0.24]); combined exercise and vision assessment and treatment (OR, 0.17 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.38]; ARD, -1.79 [95% CI, -2.63 to -0.96]); combined exercise, vision assessment and treatment, and environmental assessment and modification (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.70]; ARD, -1.19 [95% CI, -2.04 to -0.35]); and combined clinic-level quality improvement strategies (eg, case management), multifactorial assessment and treatment (eg, comprehensive geriatric assessment), calcium supplementation, and vitamin D supplementation (OR, 0.12 [95% CI, 0.03 to 0.55]; ARD, -2.08 [95% CI, -3.56 to -0.60]). Pairwise meta-analyses for fall-related hospitalizations (2 RCTs; 516 participants) showed no significant association between combined clinic- and patient-level quality improvement strategies and multifactorial assessment and treatment relative to usual care (OR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.33 to 1.81]).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Exercise alone and various combinations of interventions were associated with lower risk of injurious falls compared with usual care. Choice of fall-prevention intervention may depend on patient and caregiver values and preferences.
Topics: Accident Prevention; Accidental Falls; Aged; Calcium; Dietary Supplements; Environment Design; Exercise; Female; Geriatric Assessment; Humans; Male; Vision Disorders; Vitamin D
PubMed: 29114830
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2017.15006 -
Latest Research Trends in Fall Detection and Prevention Using Machine Learning: A Systematic Review.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2021Falls are unusual actions that cause a significant health risk among older people. The growing percentage of people of old age requires urgent development of fall... (Review)
Review
Falls are unusual actions that cause a significant health risk among older people. The growing percentage of people of old age requires urgent development of fall detection and prevention systems. The emerging technology focuses on developing such systems to improve quality of life, especially for the elderly. A fall prevention system tries to predict and reduce the risk of falls. In contrast, a fall detection system observes the fall and generates a help notification to minimize the consequences of falls. A plethora of technical and review papers exist in the literature with a primary focus on fall detection. Similarly, several studies are relatively old, with a focus on wearables only, and use statistical and threshold-based approaches with a high false alarm rate. Therefore, this paper presents the latest research trends in fall detection and prevention systems using Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. It uses recent studies and analyzes datasets, age groups, ML algorithms, sensors, and location. Additionally, it provides a detailed discussion of the current trends of fall detection and prevention systems with possible future directions. This overview can help researchers understand the current systems and propose new methodologies by improving the highlighted issues.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Aged; Algorithms; Humans; Machine Learning; Quality of Life; Seasons
PubMed: 34372371
DOI: 10.3390/s21155134 -
BMC Geriatrics Feb 2014The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) is a commonly used screening tool to assist clinicians to identify patients at risk of falling. The purpose of this systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) is a commonly used screening tool to assist clinicians to identify patients at risk of falling. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the overall predictive value of the TUG in community-dwelling older adults.
METHODS
A literature search was performed to identify all studies that validated the TUG test. The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool, a validated tool for the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies. A TUG score of ≥13.5 seconds was used to identify individuals at higher risk of falling. All included studies were combined using a bivariate random effects model to generate pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity at ≥13.5 seconds. Heterogeneity was assessed using the variance of logit transformed sensitivity and specificity.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies were included in the systematic review and 10 studies were included in meta-analysis. The TUG test was found to be more useful at ruling in rather than ruling out falls in individuals classified as high risk (>13.5 sec), with a higher pooled specificity (0.74, 95% CI 0.52-0.88) than sensitivity (0.31, 95% CI 0.13-0.57). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the TUG score is not a significant predictor of falls (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, p = 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The Timed Up and Go test has limited ability to predict falls in community dwelling elderly and should not be used in isolation to identify individuals at high risk of falls in this setting.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Geriatric Assessment; Humans; Mass Screening; Predictive Value of Tests; Residence Characteristics; Risk Factors; Time Factors
PubMed: 24484314
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-14-14 -
Nursing Reports (Pavia, Italy) Jun 2021Falls are recognized globally as a major public health problem. Although the elderly are the most affected population, it should be noted that the pediatric population... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Falls are recognized globally as a major public health problem. Although the elderly are the most affected population, it should be noted that the pediatric population is also very susceptible to the risk of falling. The fall risk approach is the assessment tool. There are different types of tools used in both clinical and territorial settings.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
In the month of January 2021, a literature search was undertaken of MEDLINE, CINHAL and The Cochrane Database, adopting as limits: last 10 years, abstract available, and English and Italian language. The search terms used were "Accidental Falls" AND "Risk Assessment" and "Fall Risk Assessment Tool" or "Fall Risk Assessment Tools".
RESULTS
From the 115 selected articles, 38 different fall risk assessment tools were identified, divided into two groups: the first with the main tools present in the literature, and the second represented by tools of some specific areas, of lesser use and with less supporting literature. Most of these articles are prospective cohort or cross-sectional studies. All articles focus on presenting, creating or validating fall risk assessment tools.
CONCLUSION
Due to the multidimensional nature of falling risk, there is no "ideal" tool that can be used in any context or that performs a perfect risk assessment. For this reason, a simultaneous application of multiple tools is recommended, and a direct and in-depth analysis by the healthcare professional is essential.
PubMed: 34968219
DOI: 10.3390/nursrep11020041 -
Maturitas Aug 2017Falls are a leading cause of morbidity, healthcare use and mortality. Dance is a popular form of physical activity among older people and previous research has suggested... (Review)
Review
Falls are a leading cause of morbidity, healthcare use and mortality. Dance is a popular form of physical activity among older people and previous research has suggested that it may improve various health outcomes in this population, including balance, gait and muscle performance. A systematic review of the potential benefits of dance on falls and fear of falling is lacking. Thus, we conducted a systematic review considering all randomized controls trials (RCTs) investigating if dance can reduce falls and improve fear of falling in older adults. Major databases were searched from inception until 1 March 2017 and a total of 10 RCTs were identified, which included a total of 680 people (n=356 dance, n=324 control). Overall, the mean age of the samples was 69.4 years, and 75.2% were female. Across four RCTs, dance therapy reduced falls versus usual care in only one study. Dance therapy improved fear of falling in two out of three included RCTs. There were no serious adverse events reported in the RCTs. In summary, we found a paucity of studies investigating the effect of dance on falls and fear of falling and the evidence base is preliminary and equivocal. Given the heterogeneity of the included samples and interventions, in addition to the short-term follow-up, no firm conclusions can be drawn. However, dance appears to be safe and, given its popularity and demonstrated benefits on other health/wellbeing outcomes in older adults, it is important that future research considers its potential benefits on falls/fear of falling in older age.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Dance Therapy; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 28610676
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.05.004 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2012Approximately 30% of people over 65 years of age living in the community fall each year. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2009. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Approximately 30% of people over 65 years of age living in the community fall each year. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2009.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of interventions designed to reduce the incidence of falls in older people living in the community.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (February 2012), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 3), MEDLINE (1946 to March 2012), EMBASE (1947 to March 2012), CINAHL (1982 to February 2012), and online trial registers.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials of interventions to reduce falls in community-dwelling older people.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We used a rate ratio (RaR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to compare the rate of falls (e.g. falls per person year) between intervention and control groups. For risk of falling, we used a risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI based on the number of people falling (fallers) in each group. We pooled data where appropriate.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 159 trials with 79,193 participants. Most trials compared a fall prevention intervention with no intervention or an intervention not expected to reduce falls. The most common interventions tested were exercise as a single intervention (59 trials) and multifactorial programmes (40 trials). Sixty-two per cent (99/159) of trials were at low risk of bias for sequence generation, 60% for attrition bias for falls (66/110), 73% for attrition bias for fallers (96/131), and only 38% (60/159) for allocation concealment.Multiple-component group exercise significantly reduced rate of falls (RaR 0.71, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.82; 16 trials; 3622 participants) and risk of falling (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.96; 22 trials; 5333 participants), as did multiple-component home-based exercise (RaR 0.68, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.80; seven trials; 951 participants and RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.94; six trials; 714 participants). For Tai Chi, the reduction in rate of falls bordered on statistical significance (RaR 0.72, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.00; five trials; 1563 participants) but Tai Chi did significantly reduce risk of falling (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.87; six trials; 1625 participants).Multifactorial interventions, which include individual risk assessment, reduced rate of falls (RaR 0.76, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.86; 19 trials; 9503 participants), but not risk of falling (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.02; 34 trials; 13,617 participants).Overall, vitamin D did not reduce rate of falls (RaR 1.00, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.11; seven trials; 9324 participants) or risk of falling (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.03; 13 trials; 26,747 participants), but may do so in people with lower vitamin D levels before treatment.Home safety assessment and modification interventions were effective in reducing rate of falls (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.97; six trials; 4208 participants) and risk of falling (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.96; seven trials; 4051 participants). These interventions were more effective in people at higher risk of falling, including those with severe visual impairment. Home safety interventions appear to be more effective when delivered by an occupational therapist.An intervention to treat vision problems (616 participants) resulted in a significant increase in the rate of falls (RaR 1.57, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.06) and risk of falling (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.91). When regular wearers of multifocal glasses (597 participants) were given single lens glasses, all falls and outside falls were significantly reduced in the subgroup that regularly took part in outside activities. Conversely, there was a significant increase in outside falls in intervention group participants who took part in little outside activity.Pacemakers reduced rate of falls in people with carotid sinus hypersensitivity (RaR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.93; three trials; 349 participants) but not risk of falling. First eye cataract surgery in women reduced rate of falls (RaR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.95; one trial; 306 participants), but second eye cataract surgery did not.Gradual withdrawal of psychotropic medication reduced rate of falls (RaR 0.34, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.73; one trial; 93 participants), but not risk of falling. A prescribing modification programme for primary care physicians significantly reduced risk of falling (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.91; one trial; 659 participants).An anti-slip shoe device reduced rate of falls in icy conditions (RaR 0.42, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.78; one trial; 109 participants). One trial (305 participants) comparing multifaceted podiatry including foot and ankle exercises with standard podiatry in people with disabling foot pain significantly reduced the rate of falls (RaR 0.64, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.91) but not the risk of falling.There is no evidence of effect for cognitive behavioural interventions on rate of falls (RaR 1.00, 95% CI 0.37 to 2.72; one trial; 120 participants) or risk of falling (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.54; two trials; 350 participants).Trials testing interventions to increase knowledge/educate about fall prevention alone did not significantly reduce the rate of falls (RaR 0.33, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.20; one trial; 45 participants) or risk of falling (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.03; four trials; 2555 participants).No conclusions can be drawn from the 47 trials reporting fall-related fractures.Thirteen trials provided a comprehensive economic evaluation. Three of these indicated cost savings for their interventions during the trial period: home-based exercise in over 80-year-olds, home safety assessment and modification in those with a previous fall, and one multifactorial programme targeting eight specific risk factors.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Group and home-based exercise programmes, and home safety interventions reduce rate of falls and risk of falling.Multifactorial assessment and intervention programmes reduce rate of falls but not risk of falling; Tai Chi reduces risk of falling.Overall, vitamin D supplementation does not appear to reduce falls but may be effective in people who have lower vitamin D levels before treatment.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Accidents, Home; Aged; Bone Density Conservation Agents; Environment Design; Exercise; Female; Humans; Independent Living; Male; Patient Education as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tai Ji; Vitamin D
PubMed: 22972103
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007146.pub3 -
Revista Gaucha de Enfermagem Feb 2017To identify the risk factors for falls of the community-dwelling elderly in order to update the Taxonomy II of NANDA International. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To identify the risk factors for falls of the community-dwelling elderly in order to update the Taxonomy II of NANDA International.
METHOD
A systematic literature review based on research using the following platforms: EBSCOHost®, CINAHL and MEDLINE, from December 2010 to December 2014. The descriptors used were (Fall* OR Accidental Fall) AND (Community Dwelling OR Community Health Services OR Primary health care) AND (Risk OR Risk Assessment OR Fall Risk Factors) AND (Fall* OR Accidental Fall) AND (Community Dwelling OR older) AND Nurs* AND Fall Risk Factors.
RESULTS
The sample comprised 62 studies and 50 risk factors have been identified. Of these risk factors, only 38 are already listed in the classification.
CONCLUSIONS
Two new categories of risk factors are proposed: psychological and socio-economical. New fall risk factors for the community-dwelling elderly have been identified, which can contribute to the updating of this nursing diagnosis of the Taxonomy II of NANDA International.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Aged; Humans; Independent Living; Risk Factors
PubMed: 28273251
DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2016.04.55030 -
The American Journal of Geriatric... Oct 2018Delirium, defined as an acute disorder of attention and cognition with high morbidity and mortality, can be prevented by multicomponent nonpharmacological interventions.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Delirium, defined as an acute disorder of attention and cognition with high morbidity and mortality, can be prevented by multicomponent nonpharmacological interventions. The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is the original evidence-based approach targeted to delirium risk factors, which has been widely disseminated.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the current state of the evidence regarding HELP and to highlight its effectiveness and cost savings.
METHODS
Systematic review of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1999 to 2017, using a combination of controlled vocabulary and keyword terms.
RESULTS
Of the 44 final articles included, 14 were included in the meta-analysis for effectiveness and 30 were included for examining cost savings, adherence and adaptations, role of volunteers, successes and barriers, and issues in sustainability. The results for delirium incidence, falls, length of stay, and institutionalization were pooled for meta-analyses. Overall, 14 studies demonstrated significant reductions in delirium incidence (odds ratio [OR] 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37-0.59). The rate of falls was reduced by 42% among intervention patients in three comparative studies (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.35-0.95). In nine studies on cost savings, the program saved $1600-$3800 (2018 U.S. dollars) per patient in hospital costs and over $16,000 (2018 U.S. dollars) per person-year in long-term care costs in the year following delirium. The systematic review revealed that programs were generally successful in adhering to or appropriately adapting HELP (n = 13 studies) and in finding the volunteer role to be valuable (n = 6 studies). Successes and barriers to implementation were examined in 6 studies, including ensuring effective clinician leadership, finding senior administrative champions, and shifting organizational culture. Sustainability factors were examined in 10 studies, including adapting to local circumstances, documenting positive impact and outcomes, and securing long-term funding.
CONCLUSION
The Hospital Elder Life Program is effective in reducing incidence of delirium and rate of falls, with a trend toward decreasing length of stay and preventing institutionalization. With ongoing efforts in continuous program improvement, implementation, adaptations, and sustainability, HELP has emerged as a reference standard model for improving the quality and effectiveness of hospital care for older persons worldwide.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Delirium; Hospitalization; Humans; Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; Program Development; Program Evaluation
PubMed: 30076080
DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2018.06.007