Postural balance and health-related factors in middle-aged and older women with injurious falls and non-fallers.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Older fallers aged over 70 years have shown impaired balance abilities, but it is unclear if impairment in balance control can be detected among fallers who are in their 50's and 60's. The aim of this study was to analyze possible differences in balance control and other health-related factors between female fallers and non-fallers aged 50-68 years.

METHODS: Women 50-68 years of age (N=40) who had fallen outside and needed medical attention were recruited through a larger fall accident study. Non-fallers (N=97) were women representing the same age group who had not fallen during the preceding 12 months. A battery of standing force platform balance tests were administered together with an interview on health status, use of medication, dizziness, vision, hearing, and physical activity.

RESULTS: Significant differences were not found between women with injurious falls and non-fallers in the various balance tests. In the younger age group (50-58 years), chronic illnesses, use of medication, dizziness, and self-reported problems with vision and hearing were more common in fallers than in non-fallers.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that, in active and independent women aged 50-68 years, it is not possible to use standing force platform balance tests to detect differences between fallers and non-fallers. However, younger women (50-58 years) with injurious falls reported more health-related problems than other groups, a fact which should be taken into consideration to prevent further development of fall-related problems.