Examination of the increased risk for falls among individuals with knee osteoarthritis
Channel: Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA/ÉLCV)
Date: 08/12/2023

Presented By: Jessica Wilfong, MPH, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network

Fall prevention is an important clinical target, as falling can cause physical damage or injury that can lead to decreased physical activity and social participation. Knee osteoarthritis is a well-established risk factor for falls, and falls can contribute to further damage to the joints of those living with this condition. However, the factors that contribute to the risk of falling among individuals with knee osteoarthritis are not well understood. This study used data from the baseline and three-year follow-up questionnaires of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) to characterize the profile of risk factors for falling among those with and without knee osteoarthritis. Falling patterns – where and how a fall occurred – were compared between the two groups. Knee osteoarthritis was confirmed to be an independent risk factor for falling, and differences in the profile of risk factors and the circumstances in which falls occurred were identified between those with and without osteoarthritis.

The next CLSA webinar will be held Thursday, November 30 at noon in recognition of national Fall Prevention Month. Join Jessica Wilfong from the University Health Network’s Schroeder Arthritis Institute for an in-depth look at the connections between osteoarthritis and falls, and the importance of developing risk profiles for clinical intervention and fall prevention strategies.   
Jessica Wilfong, MPH, is a research associate at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute within the Krembil Research Institute at University Health Network. She is a member of the Arthritis Community Research and Epidemiology Unit which partners with Arthritis Society Canada to disseminate information on the prevalence and impact of arthritis in Canada. Her research focuses on investigating the epidemiology of arthritis, primarily osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, and the impact and burden in the population.