Abstract
The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to determine whether the maximal width of the base of support (BSW) measure is able to predict the risk of multiple falls in community-dwelling women. 38 community-dwelling women (mean age of 72 ±8 years old) participated. Falls were prospectively recorded during the following year. Overall, 29 falls were recorded were of 6 (16%) multiple fallers and 32 (84%) non-fallers. There was a significant difference in the BSW between the fallers and non-fallers (F(1, 37) = 5.134 (p = 0.030)). A logistic regression analysis indicated a significant contribution of the BSW test to the model (odds ratio = 0.637; 95% CI [0.407, 0.993]; p = 0.046 per 1 cm).The cut-off score was determined to be 27.8 cm (67% sensitivity and 84% specificity). These results indicate that women with a smaller BSW at baseline had a significantly higher risk of sustaining a fall.
Swanenburg, Jaap