Objective: To examine the association between grip strength and history of falls among older individuals, and to assess the possible mediating effect of balance problems on this relationship.Method: Data originate from KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg)-Age Study of 808 individuals (65 years and above).Follow-up assessment Nail polish kit occurred 3 years later.
Results: The risk of falls within the last 12 months was reduced on average by 3% (odds ratio [OR] 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.97 [0.94, 0.
99]; Right Front Cover p value =.026) per 1-kg increase in maximum grip strength after adjusting for age and gender.There was a trend toward an indirect effect of grip strength through the mediator variable balance problems ( p value =.
043).Discussion: Increased muscular strength is associated with a reduced risk of falls in older age after adjustment for age and gender.The association is partially mediated by balance problems.
Thus, in older adults, muscle-strengthening exercises may decrease the risk of falling.