The MOBILIZE Boston Study: Understanding Falls in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Leveille Suzanne G, Kiel Douglas P, Jones Richard N, Roman Anthony, Hannan Marian T, Sorond Farzaneh A, Kang Hyun G, Samelson Elizabeth J, Gagnon Margaret, Freeman Marcie, Lipsitz Lewis A
Primary Institution: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Hypothesis
What are the novel risk factors for falls in an older population?
Conclusion
The study shows that comprehensive assessments can be conducted in a diverse group of older adults to explore new risk factors for falls.
Supporting Evidence
- Falls are the sixth leading cause of death in elderly people in the U.S.
- 39% of participants reported having fallen at least once in the year before baseline.
- The study cohort was largely representative of seniors in the Boston area.
Takeaway
This study is like a big check-up for older people to find out what makes them fall, so we can help keep them safe.
Methodology
The study used door-to-door recruitment and included a 3-hour home interview followed by a 3-hour clinic examination.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to exclusion of non-English speakers and those with severe cognitive impairments.
Limitations
The study primarily included English speakers, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to non-English speaking populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 70 and older, with an average age of 77.9 years, predominantly white (78%) and female (approximately two-thirds).
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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