| Falls result in death, poor quality of life, dependence, injuries, and financial burden. Despite efforts to reduce falls in older adults, national incidence rates rise. As the population 65 years and older grows faster than those under age 65, interventions to prevent falls are critical. Physical activity (PA) is recognized as one way to help prevent falls. However, older adults living in rural communities present a unique challenge for PA interventions. Little is known about the types and amounts of PA required to reduce the occurrence of falls and related injuries in this high-risk population. The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) identify the types of PA being done among rural community dwelling older adults; and 2) determine the relationship between amount of PA and postural balance in that population.;One hundred and one participants from 14 rural counties in south Mississippi consented to the study. Participants completed the Jackson Heart Study Physical Activity (JPAC) survey to identify types and amount of PA on enrollment. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) measured postural balance on enrollment. To capture amount of PA, participants wore accelerometers for seven days.;The majority of participants were female (78.2%), white (74.3%), and ranged in age from 65 to 91 years. Seventeen percent reported a fall within the past 12 months; 35% reported chronic conditions; and 73% reported taking medications associated with an increased fall risk. The participants reported 19 sports or activities, with line dancing as the most popular. Significant relationships existed between the TUG scores (postural balance) and minutes of light PA, r(53) = -.404, p = .00, and moderate PA, r(53) = -.363,p = .008. There was not a significant relationship between TUG scores and minutes in vigorous PA, r(53) = -.105,p = .458. Significant relationships existed between the BBS scores (postural balance) and minutes of light PA, r(98) = .262, p = .009, and moderate PA, r(98) .276,p = .006. There was not a significant relationship between BBS scores and minutes in vigorous PA, r(53) = .091,p = .372. The positive correlations with amount of PA in light and moderate PA were no longer present with the addition of age, gender, and BMI in a regression model. Age (p < .001), gender (p = .017), and BMI (p = .033) were significant predictors of the BBS scores.;Community dwelling older adults were eager to participate in this study. While amounts of light and moderate PA correlated significantly with balance, age and gender had a greater influence on balance than time spent doing light and moderate PA. Because this population remains at high-risk for falls, more attention is warranted to preserving postural balance through PA and other means as people age. |
