Association of Physical Activity and Physical Functioning Phenotypes With Fall Risk Among Women

Objective: Physical activity (PA) may slow aging-related declines in physical functioning (PF), but the relationship of PA and falls is not well understood. This study examined the association of PA and PF with falls. Methods: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation participants (n = 1597; age: 65.1 years +/- 2.7) reported PF and PA in 2012-2013 and falls in 2016-2017. Four phenotypes were identified: high PA-high PF, high PA-low PF, low PA-high PF, and low PA-low PF. Results: One-third (29.3%) reported >= 1 fall. Women with low PA-low PF (RR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.66) and with high PA-low PF (RR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.74) were more likely to fall than high PA-high PF. Over time, women with worsening PF had increased fall risk (RR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.74), but women who increased PA did not. Discussion: Poor PF increases the risk of falls, regardless of PA. However, increasing PA does not necessarily increase fall risk, reinforcing the importance of PA engagement.

Automated summary

Women with low PA-low PF and high PA-low PF are more likely to fall, while worsening PF over time increases fall risk, although increasing PA does not. This highlights the importance of physical activity engagement in reducing fall risk.