Falls and Fall-Related Injuries in an Evidence-Based Tai Ji Quan Intervention in Rural West Virginia Churches.

Background:This paper identifies the independent predictors of falls in an implementation study of Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® (TJQMBB) in older adults in rural West Virginia churches. Methods:Falls and injuries were identified via calendars, questionnaire, and verbal reports. Results:Fall predictors were gait speed (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.08, 0.90); low back pain (OR 8.04; 95% CI 1.71, 37.79); and pain, stiffness, or swelling limiting activity (OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.09, 5.45). Conclusions:Determining differences between fallers and non-fallers may identify people with different fall risk profiles and ultimately better tailor fall-prevention programming to individual needs.