ความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างอายุและการใช้อุปกรณ์ช่วยเดินต่อความเสี่ยงหกล้มของผู้สูงอายุ

Sasithorn  Putfak; Pakwipa  Julphunthong; Olan I sariyapan; Orawan  Keeratisiroj; Waroonnapa Srisoparb

Authors

Sasithorn Putfak Student in Master of Science Program in Physical Therapy, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University
Pakwipa Julphunthong Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Research Unit, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University
Olan I sariyapan Lecturer, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University
Orawan Keeratisiroj Associate Professor, Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University
Waroonnapa Srisoparb Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University

Keywords:

Association, Fall risk, Elderly, Walking aids

Abstract

Increasing age and the use of assistive walking devices are internal and external factors associated with fall risk in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between age, the use of walking aids, and fall risk among individuals aged 60 years and above residing in Mueang District, Phitsanulok Province. A total of 200 participants who were able to walk at least 10 meters without the use of assistive devices and who passed a preliminary cognitive screening using the Thai version of the Mental State Examination T10 (MSET10) were included. Fall risk was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Data on age and the use of assistive devices were collected through interviews. This cross-sectional study employed logistic regression analysis to examine the associations between age, assistive device use, and fall risk as measured by the TUG test. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05.
The results showed that both age and the use of assistive devices were significantly associated with fall risk among older adults, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.06 (95% CI: 1.00-1.12) and 0.07 (95% CI: 0.02-0.23), respectively. These findings suggest that increased age is associated with higher fall risk. Furthermore, among older adults who require assistive walking devices, using them can help reduce the risk of falling. Therefore, assessing the need for assistive devices in older adults is important and should be considered when planning health promotion and fall prevention strategies.

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