A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has found that participation in leisure-time physical activity at or above the recommended level is associated with a lower likelihood of non-injurious and injurious falls in older women.
Researchers from the University of Sydney, led by Wing S. Kwok, conducted a retrospective analysis of data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) to study the potential links between leisure-time physical activity and falls in older women. The study included 7,139 participants from the ALSWH, all born between 1946 and 1951, who completed follow-up questionnaires in 2016 and 2019.
The findings of the study revealed that engaging in leisure-time physical activity at or above the World Health Organization-recommended level of 150 to less than 300 minutes per week was associated with a reduced risk of both non-injurious and injurious falls. The odds ratios for non-injurious falls were 0.74 for those who participated in 150 to less than 300 minutes per week and 0.66 for those who participated in 300 minutes or more per week. Similarly, the corresponding odds ratios for injurious falls were 0.70 and 0.77.
Furthermore, the study found that women who reported brisk walking, moderate leisure-time physical activity, or moderate-to-vigorous leisure-time physical activity had lower odds of experiencing non-injurious falls compared to those who reported no leisure-time physical activity. The odds ratios for brisk walking, moderate leisure-time physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous leisure-time physical activity were 0.83, 0.81, and 0.84, respectively. However, no significant associations were observed between the type of leisure-time physical activity and injurious falls.
Based on their findings, the researchers suggest that promoting physical activity, including leisure-time physical activity, could be an effective strategy to reduce the risk of both non-injurious and injurious falls in older women. Falls can have serious consequences for older individuals, leading to physical injuries, reduced independence, and decreased quality of life. Therefore, encouraging regular physical activity may play a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of older women.
The study highlights the importance of incorporating leisure-time physical activity into daily routines, specifically targeting older women, to help prevent falls and their associated negative outcomes. By engaging in activities such as brisk walking or moderate-to-vigorous leisure-time physical activity, older women can improve their strength, balance, and coordination, which are essential for preventing falls. Additionally, regular physical activity has numerous other health benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving mental well-being.
In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of leisure-time physical activity in reducing the risk of falls in older women. Healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community organizations should prioritize the promotion of physical activity among this population to enhance their overall health and prevent falls. By implementing strategies to encourage regular physical activity, we can contribute to the well-being and independence of older women, ultimately improving their quality of life.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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