The Relation Between Movement Patterns, Balance Performance, Function of the Inner Ear and Falls

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Falls are one of the most common reasons for immobilisation and death in elderly population. This study aims at studying falls among a group of older people. The aim is to study the relation between movement patterns, balance performance, inner ear function and future falls. Senior member will be recruited through the non-profit association Friskis&Svettis. Measures of movement patterns, balance performance and innear ear function will be measured at baseline. Falls will be monitored through falls diaries, collected every third month during a 12 month period.

Detailed Description
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Falls are one of the most common reasons for immobilisation and death in elderly population. They will be even more essential to address when large birth cohorts grow older and life expectancy increases. Number of elderly persons is constantly rising. When in 2010 there was 1730 000 over 65-year olds in Sweden, the prognosis for year 2060 is 3221 000 persons. Hence, it is important to find solutions for preventing falls. The aim of this project is to study the relation between movement patterns, balance performance, inner ear function and future falls. After measuring movement patterns, inner ear function and balance at baseline, falls will be monitored through falls diaries, collected every third month during a twelve month period in a group of older persons, recruited through the non-profit association Friskis&Svettis in Malmö, Sweden. The study population will consist of senior members in the association, invited to workshops about balance.

Official Title
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The Relation Between Movement Patterns, Balance Performance, Function of the Inner Ear and Falls Among Healthy Older People - a Observation Study With 12 Months Follow up

Conditions
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Accidental Fall, Postural Balance, Movement Disorders in Old Age

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Men and women, 65 years and older The ability to ability to speak and understand Swedish language. Exclusion Criteria: Age younger than 65 Not able to speak and understand Swedish language

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Falls diary | A falls diary, where accidental falls during the period is noted by the participant | Measures the occurrence of falls during a 12 month period | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Snubblometer | A wearable device attached to the persons thigh, measures movement patterns | At baseline | 
| Timed up and Go | Sitting on a chair, rise up, walk for 3 meter, turn and go back again | At baseline | 
| Timed up and Go manual | Sitting on a chair, rise up, walk for 3 meter, turn and go back again while carrying a cup of water | At baseline | 
| Timed up and Go cognitive | Sitting on a chair, rise up, walk for 3 meter, turn and go back again while counting down from 100 by 3 | At baseline | 
| Head shake test | Test of inner ear function by shaking the head for 15 seconds and wearing frenzels | At baseline | 
| Dix-Hallpike tess | Wearing frenzels, and testing for BPPV | At baseline | 
| Head impulse test | Testing of inner-ear function while wearing frenzels | At baseline | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Accidental fall, Postural Balance