Impact of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on fall risks in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

• Published in: European review of aging and physical activity Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 5 - 15
• Main Authors: Thibaud, Marie, Bloch, Frédéric, Tournoux-Facon, Caroline, Brèque, Cyril, Rigaud, Anne Sophie, Dugué, Benoît, Kemoun, Gilles
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.04.2012
• ISSN: 1813-7253; 1861-6909
• DOI: 10.1007/s11556-011-0081-1

Abstract The objective of this work was to summarise and evaluate the evidence showing that physical activity is a protector factor as regards falls in older people. Relevant studies were identified through a systematic search in the MEDLINE and Cochrane Library, under the keywords of accidental fall/numerical data and risk factors, and with the bibliographies of retrieved papers. The combined odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval] for physical activity was 0.75 [0.64, 0.88] with moderate heterogeneity ( I 2  = 33%). For fall injury, it was 0.59 [0.47, 0.74] and, for falls in general, it rose to 0.94 [0.76, 1.17] with nil heterogeneity. The combined OR for sedentary factors was 1.14 [1.10, 1.82] with moderate heterogeneity ( I 2  = 36%). Regular physical activity in daily life yields significant reduction in falls in older people, especially falls with injuries.