Graceful Aging: A Cross-Sectional Study on The Frequency, Risk Factors, And Predictors of Falls Using The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the frequency, risk factors, and predictor of falls in the aged population using the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed up and test.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was conducted for 1 year from 2023 to 2024 on 376 subjects selected from outpatient clinics of tertiary hospitals; those above 65 years of age, physically and mentally handicapped subjects were excluded. A thorough history of physical examinations was made, and they were assessed through timed up-and-go tests and the Berg balance scale to screen for fall risk. Non-probability serial sampling technique was used, and the sample size was determined through the openEpi.com sample size calculator by keeping a 95% confidence interval, 5% margin of error and 80 power of test; the calculated sample size was 376. Open epi calculator used following formula Sample size n = [DEFF*Np(1-p)]/ [(d2/Z21-α/2*(N-1) + p*(1-p)].

RESULTS
The frequency of falls in 65 plus older adults in the past 2 years was 20.7% (77) in the study. Fall was seen more in women, 38% (35). Of those who fell, 50 (22.4%) subjects belonged to a low socioeconomic class. The urban dwellers had a fall prevalence of 21.3% (76). Among various comorbidities, Diabetics (68.8%) were more prone to falls. Of all the diabetics who fell, neuropathy was found to be the most frequent complication, 48.9% (23). Visual impairment was a common finding among the fall subjects, 23.1% (74). Muscle relaxant use (81.3%) was the primary reason for falling among all medication-induced falls. The proportion of people who used assisted walking devices was 59.3% (16). Of the subjects who fell, 51.3 % had compromised BBS scores while 15.8% had compromised timed up and test, indicating that BBS score is a better marker of falls in age.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the importance of targeted fall prevention strategies, particularly for high-risk populations, to mitigate the risk of injury and improve overall mobility and safety.