1. Fall risk profile and quality-of-life status of older chiropractic patients.
- Author
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Holt KR, Noone PL, Short K, Elley CR, and Haavik H
- Subjects
- Aged, Australia, Back Pain therapy, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Manipulation, Chiropractic, Neck Pain therapy, New Zealand, Polypharmacy, Postural Balance, Risk Assessment, Risk Factors, Accidental Falls, Chiropractic, Patients, Quality of Life
- Abstract
Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of fall risk factors in older chiropractic patients. The secondary aim was to investigate the quality-of-life status of older chiropractic patients and to see whether a history of falling was related to quality-of-life status., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 12 chiropractic practices throughout Auckland, New Zealand, and Melbourne, Australia. The study involved gaining a profile of health status, fall history, and fall risk from active chiropractic patients who were 65 years or older., Results: One hundred ten older chiropractic patients were approached, and 101 agreed to participate in this study (response rate, 91.8%). Thirty-five percent of participants had experienced at least 1 fall in the previous 12 months. Of those that had fallen, 80% had at least a minor injury, with 37% of fallers requiring medical attention and 6% suffering a serious injury. The prevalence of most fall risk factors was consistent with published data for community-dwelling older adults. Quality of life of older chiropractic patients appeared to be good, but fallers reported a lower physical component summary score compared with nonfallers (P = .04)., Conclusions: A portion of the older chiropractic patients sampled in this study had a substantial risk of falling. This risk could be assessed on a regular basis for the presence of modifiable fall risk factors, and appropriate advice, given when fall risks are identified., (Copyright © 2011 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2011
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