Association between types of leisure-time physical activity and falls in the older adults: a population-based study

Purpose This study investigated the association between leisure-time physical activity and its different types, and the occurrence of falls that resulted in seeking health services, stratifying by age groups (60–64; 65–74; 75 or more). Method This is a cross sectional population-based study based on data from the National Health Survey (2013), with a final sample consisting of 8436 older adults. Logistic and multinomial regression models were used. Results There was an inverse association between sports practice and a fall episode across age groups; in the 60–64 age group (OR 4.1 × 10 –7 ; 95% CI 4 × 10 –8 –4 × 10 –6 ) and in the 65–74 age group (OR 1.8 × 10 –7 ; 95% CI 3 × 10 –8 –10 –6 ). In the older age group, significant associations were found between the practice of leisure-time physical activity and falling (OR 5.7 × 10 –8 ; 95% CI 3 × 10 –8 –10 –7 ), and in the three types of leisure-time physical activity and fall. (Aerobic OR 6.0 × 10 –8 ; 95% CI 3 × 10 –8 –10 –7 / Sports OR 3.4 × 10 –7 ; 95% CI 5 × 10 –8 –2 × 10 –6 / Resistance training OR 4.4 × 10 –8 ; 95%CI 3 × 10 –8 –10 –7 ). Conclusion Although less practiced by the studied population, sport was the type of leisure physical activity that promoted greater protection for falls.