Brain Function and Falls Risk in Senior Women
Author Information
Author(s): Lindsay S. Nagamatsu, Chun Liang Hsu, Todd C. Handy, Teresa Liu-Ambrose
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
The function of brain regions associated with executive cognitive processing is independently associated with reduced physiological falls risk.
Conclusion
Baseline activation levels of brain regions related to response inhibition and selective attention were independently associated with reduced physiological falls risk.
Supporting Evidence
- Baseline activation in the left frontal orbital cortex was negatively associated with falls risk.
- Activation in the paracingulate gyrus was positively associated with falls risk.
- Participants who completed the study had a mean change in falls risk score of 0.10.
Takeaway
This study found that how well certain parts of the brain work can help predict if older women are at risk of falling. Improving brain function might help prevent falls.
Methodology
The study analyzed fMRI data from 73 senior women aged 65-75 who completed a 12-month resistance training trial, assessing falls risk using the Physiological Profile Assessment.
Potential Biases
Potential underestimation of the contribution of brain function to falls risk due to exclusion criteria.
Limitations
The study sample consisted exclusively of independent community-dwelling senior women, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Community-dwelling senior women aged 65-75, with a mean age of 69.4 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.06
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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