Gender Differences in Recreational Walking and Falls in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Lingming, Procter-Gray Elizabeth, Le Qun, Churchill Linda, Aguirre Annabella, Cheng Jie, Li Wenjun
Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Lowell
Hypothesis
This study examined the gender differences in the associations of recreational walking with risk for indoor and outdoor falls.
Conclusion
For older women, higher frequency of recreational walking was associated with lower rates of indoor falls, while no significant associations were found for men.
Supporting Evidence
- Women had lower rates of indoor falls than men.
- Women engaging in recreational walking at least once per week had 86% lower indoor fall rates than those who did not.
Takeaway
Walking regularly can help older women avoid falling indoors, but it doesn't seem to help men in the same way.
Methodology
This prospective cohort study measured recreational walking and tracked falls among older adults over a two-year period.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors influencing falls, and the sample is limited to a specific geographic area.
Participant Demographics
Community-dwelling older adults aged 65-95 years in central Massachusetts.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.14
Confidence Interval
(0.05, 0.44)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website