Abstract
The present study examined physical and cognitive factors associated with falls. We surveyed elderly (N=90, mean age 83.1 years) disabled staying at home. During prospective monitoring for 1 year, falls were reported by 22 persons (24.4%). Their levels of attention were measured with Trail making test - Part A. Falls group (N=22) and Non-Falls group (N=78) were compared with those scores. The result showed that Falls group had lower scores of Trail making test, foot functions and standing action, respectivily. Logistic regression analysis also indicated that Falls group had less ankle range of motion and foot-gripping force than Non-falls group, also lower Trail making test - Part A scores. These results suggest that not only physical factors are related to falls, but also attention is an important factor for elderly disabled.
