ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS FOR FALLS AND THE PERFORMANCE OF STANDING FROM THE FLOOR AND THE TIMED UP AND GO TEST IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS

• Grant number: 25/17856-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health
• Principal Investigator: Karina Gramani Say
• Grantee: Kamilly Vitoria de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Population aging poses increasing challenges to public health, especially regarding fall prevention, which negatively impacts the autonomy and quality of life of older adults. This study aims to investigate the association between modifiable fall risk factors and performance on the Supine-to-Stand test and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, in both its simple and dual-task versions. This is an observational, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Sociodemographic, clinical, and functional data from 56 older adults in the region of Regional Health Department III will be analyzed. These participants will be evaluated for their performance on the Supine-to-Stand test, as well as the simple TUG and dual-task TUG tests, with the latter performed simultaneously with a cognitive task. Data collection on risk factors will be conducted through structured interviews and validated instruments. Sample size calculation was previously performed using G*Power software (version 3.1.9.7), considering a beta error of 0.8, medium effect size, and compatible statistical analysis, indicating the need for 56 participants. Descriptive analysis of the data will characterize the sample based on variables such as number and location of falls, age, sex, education, number of comorbidities, presence of cognitive impairment, and health history. To identify which modifiable risk factors are most associated with functional test performance, multiple linear regression will be used, with continuous dependent variables being the time spent on the tests (Supine-to-Stand, simple TUG, and dual-task TUG), and independent variables encompassing clinical, functional, and environmental aspects. Statistical analysis will be conducted using Jamovi software (version 2.4.11), with a significance level of 5%. The findings may contribute to more effective fall prevention strategies, promoting greater independence and quality of life for the elderly population. (AU)