Estimation of physical performance and measurements of habitual physical activity may capture men with high risk to fall--data from the Mr Os Sweden cohort.
To evaluate if clinically usable estimates of physical performance and level of habitual physical activity are associated with fall risk in elderly men. A population-based sample of 3014 randomly selected men aged 69-80 years was recruited to medical centers in Gothenburg, Malmoe, or Uppsala. The level of physical activity and self-reported falls during the preceding 12 months was evaluated using a questionnaire. The physical performance ability was estimated by measurements of handgrip strength, a timed stands test, a 6-m walking test and a 20-cm narrow walk test. Falls were reported in 16.5% of the men. Fallers performed 6.2+/-19.0% (mean+/-standard deviations; S.D.) less in right handgrip measures, 8.8+/-40.6% slower in the timed stands test, 6.8+/-30.8% slower in the 6-m walking test, and 5.3+/-28.8% slower in the 20-cm narrow walk test (all p