What question did this study set out to answer?

This analysis aims to identify useful outcome measures for screening recurrent fall history in older adults living in the community.

January 17, 2026

Clinical Screening of Older Adults for Risk of Recurrent Falls: A Secondary Analysis

Key Points

This analysis aims to identify useful outcome measures for screening recurrent fall history in older adults living in the community.
Secondary analysis of data from physionet.org involving 77 community-dwelling older adults.
Classification of participants into those with recurrent falls (at least 2 falls) and those without (1 or no falls).
Statistical analysis using independent t tests, Pearson’s correlation, and logistic regression modeling to evaluate fall risk measures.
SF-36, ABC, and TUG were most predictive of recurrent fall status.
SF-36 scores ≥ 64.5 indicate <10% chance of recurrent falls.
TUG completion slower than 12.5 seconds correlates with a 70% probability of being a recurrent faller.
ABC scores > 81% suggest a 13.7% likelihood of being a recurrent faller.

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Falls are common in older adults and can seriously impact physical and emotional health. By screening for fall risk, health care professionals can provide interventions to those with the greatest need. The purpose of this work is to identify which common outcome measures are most useful for screening for recurrent fall history in community-dwelling older adults (CDOAs). Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a data set retrieved from physionet.org. The set includes data from 77 CDOAs, classified as participant with falls (PF) (at least 2 falls) or participant without falls (PNF) (1 or no falls) based on patient report in the prior year. Group differences based on prior recurrent fall status were identified with independent t tests. Relationship with prior recurrent fall status was determined using Pearson’s point biserial correlation ( r pb ). Binary logistic regression modeling and receiver operating characteristic curves identified cut points and likelihood ratios for prior recurrent fall status. Eight measures were included based on prior association with fall risk. Two were patient-reported: 36-item Short-Form Health Questionnaire (SF-36) and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale. Six were functional measures: Timed Up and Go (TUG), Four Square Step Test, Self-Selected Walking Speed, Dual-Task Walking Speed, Berg Balance Scale, and the Dynamic Gait Index. Population prevalence was used to estimate the pretest probability of falls (27.5%). Results and Discussion: The median age was 78.5 years (interquartile range = 6.01) with 50 females (64.9%); 33 recurrent PF and 44 PNF. The SF-36, ABC, and TUG demonstrated the greatest utility for predicting prior recurrent fall status. Scores of 64.5 (range 0-100) or higher on SF-36 indicate less than a 10% chance of being a PF. Completing the TUG more slowly than 12.5 seconds results in a posttest probability of 70% for being a PF. Scoring over 81% on the ABC results in only a 13.7% likelihood of being a PF. Conclusions: Self-reported health, including general overall health and balance confidence, as assessed by the SF-36 and ABC, respectively, may provide valuable insight into an older adult’s risk of recurrent falls. Future longitudinal studies are needed to determine the value of these tests in prospectively predicting falls.

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