Abstract
Introduction Falls in the elderly population are a public health problem, becoming more relevant
after a proximal femur fracture (PFF). The “timed up and go” (TUG) test has been linked
to the risk of falls and is used in various geriatric societies.
Objective To evaluate the risk of falls in patients with PFF after one year of surgery.
Materials and Methods An observational and cross-sectional study was carried out on patients operated by
PFF between January 2017 and May 2020. Patients aged 60 to 85 years, with one year
or more since their surgery, were included. Individuals with severe and progressive
neurological diseases, BMI > 40, advanced cognitive impairment, and with diseases
or mechanical factors that could hinder proper evaluation or rehabilitation were excluded.
Patients were summoned and underwent clinical, nutritional and radiological evaluations.
Subsequently, the quadriceps strength of the lower extremities was measured and the
vertical acceleration and TUG tests were applied. The results were analyzed using
statistical models, hypothesis tests and machine learning models.
Results In the machine learning models, the variables of greatest importance for classifying
patients as low or medium-high risk of falls were the quadriceps strength on the operated
side, quadriceps strength on the contralateral side, and vertical acceleration. On
the other hand, in linear regression models, BMI and vertical acceleration had a significant
positive and negative effect, respectively.
Conclusion Quadriceps extensor strength, vertical acceleration and BMI are related to the risk
of falls. This work shows us accessible and low-cost elements to identify these risk
factors and focus the resources for their prevention.
Keyword
risk of falls - proximal femur fracture - quadriceps extensor strength - timed up
and go
