@article{ref1,
title="Mediator effect of balance problems on association between grip strength and falls in older adults: results from the KORA-Age Study",
journal="Gerontology and geriatric medicine",
year="2018",
author="Arvandi, Marjan and Strasser, Barbara and Volaklis, Konstantinos and Ladwig, Karl-Heinz and Grill, Eva and Matteucci Gothe, Raffaella and Horsch, Alexander and Laxy, Michael and Siebert, Uwe and Peters, Annette and Thorand, Barbara and Meisinger, Christa",
volume="4",
number="",
pages="e2333721418760122-e2333721418760122",
abstract="<b>Objective:</b> 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.<b>Method:</b>Data originate from KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg)-Age Study of 808 individuals (65 years and above). Follow-up assessment occurred 3 years later.<b>Results:</b>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];<i>p</i>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 (<i>p</i>value =.043).<b>Discussion:</b>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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2333-7214",
doi="10.1177/2333721418760122",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2333721418760122"
}