Leisure Sedentary Time is Associated with Self-Reported Falls in Middle-aged and Older Females and Males: an Analysis of the CLSA

Aim The purpose of this analysis was to report the prevalence of falls and falls-related injuries among those reporting differ-ent volumes of weekly sedentary time, and to understand the association of sedentary time and falls, accounting for functional fitness. Methods Baseline and first follow-up data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CSLA) were analyzed (n=22,942). Participants self-reported whether they had a fall in the past 12 months (at baseline) and whether they had an injury that was a result of a fall (follow-up). In-home interviews collected self-reported leisure sedentary time using the Physical Activity Scale for Elderly. Functional fitness was assessed using grip strength, timed-up-and-go, and chair rise tests during clinic visits. Results The prevalence of falls was higher among those who reported higher sedentary time. For example, among males aged 65 and older who reported lower sedentary time (<1,080 min/week), the prevalence of falls in the past 12 months (at baseline) was 7.8% compared to 9.8% in those reporting higher sedentary time. The odds of reporting a fall (at baseline) was 21% higher in those who reported higher sedentary time (OR: 1.21; 95%CI: 1.11–1.33) in adjusted models. No associations were found between sedentary time and injuries due to a fall. Conclusions Reporting high volumes of sedentary time may increase the risk of falls. Future research using device-based estimates of total sedentary time and breaks in sedentary time is needed to further elucidate this association.