Correlation between physical inactivity, polypharmacy and falls in elderly

Authors

  • Suélem Silva de Barros
  • Gleicy Fátima Medeiros de Souza
  • Érica Patrícia Borba Lira Uchôa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5585/conssaude.v11n1.2919

Keywords:

Accidental falls, Drug utilization, Exercise, Health of the elderly.

Abstract

Introduction: An increase in rates of institutionalization and deaths from falls in the elderly has recently been observed, it is observed that a sedentary lifestyle, functional impairment and polypharmacy are important risk factors. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between physical activity, medication use and tendency of falls in the elderly. Methods: A transversal analytical study, conducted at Vitória de Santo Antão (PE) with 60 elderly (30 sedentary and 30 physically active), through interviews to report information about socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and performance evaluation through Timed Up and Go (TUGT) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) tests. Results: It was revealed that volunteers engaged in physical activity (p = 0.029) and with better scores in TUGT (p <0.001) and BBS (P = 0.009) were those who never suffered declines. Conclusions: Physical inactivity was an influence factor for the occurrence of falls in the aged. Noteworthy is the encouragement of physical activity as a preventive measure to prevent falls in old age.

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Published

2012-03-30

How to Cite

1.
Barros SS de, Souza GFM de, Uchôa Érica PBL. Correlation between physical inactivity, polypharmacy and falls in elderly. Cons. Saúde [Internet]. 2012 Mar. 30 [cited 2024 Jul. 16];11(1):37-45. Available from: https://periodicos.uninove.br/saude/article/view/2919

Issue

Section

Basic Sciences