[Purpose] This study divides subjects into good motor function vs. poor motor function groups, then compares fall-related factors of the two groups. [Subjects] The subjects were 78 elderly outpatients and day-rehabilitation service users who visited the clinic for rehabilitation medicine (78.6±4.8 years). [Methods] Subjects were evaluated using Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Knee Extension Strength test, Modified Functional Reach Test (mFRT), and vibration sensing, then monitored for one year after the assessments to learn whether they experienced falls. Logistic regression analysis was then performed to identify fall-related factors using the various test results as independent variables. The subjects were also divided into two groups-a good motor function group and a poor motor function group-based on the results of the TUG test, and fall-related factors were derived for the two groups using the same procedure described above. [Results] The logistic regression results revealed that mFRT and vibration sensing were significant fall-related factors for all subjects, vibration sensing was a significant factor for the good motor function group, and the Knee Extension Strength test and mFRT were significant factors for the poor motor function group. [Conclusions] Various factors affect the incidence of falls in older adults, but our findings suggest that fall risk assessment accuracy can be improved by focusing on vibration sensing for those with good motor function while several tests may be required for those with poor motor function.
