[Association between intrinsic capacity and falls among older adults]

The science

Original title

[Association between intrinsic capacity and falls among older adults].

Authors

Zhang QJ, Yan L, Xiong SJ et al.

Journal

Zhonghua liu xing bing xue za zhi = Zhonghua liuxingbingxue zazhi

Published

Oct 22, 2026

Study type

Study · in humans

PMID

42907185 ↗

DOI

10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20260205-00102 ↗

Abstract

Objective: To explore the association between intrinsic capacity and falls among older adults in China, and to provide evidence for developing fall prevention strategies and promoting healthy aging. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized baseline data from the West China Health and Aging Cohort, including 7 402 community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years. Intrinsic capacity was assessed across five domains: cognition, locomotion, vitality, psychology, and sensory function. Falls occurring in the past year were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between intrinsic capacity and fall risk. Results: The age of participants was (69.24±5.80) years, and 55.3% were female. The incidence of falls was 15.19%. After adjusting for confounders, every 10.00-point increase in the intrinsic capacity score was associated with a 25% (OR=0.75, 95%CI: 0.70-0.81) reduction in fall risk , with a significant dose-response trend (P for trend <0.001). Normal locomotion (OR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.70-0.92), psychological function (OR=0.65, 95%CI: 0.54-0.80), and sensory function (OR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.58-0.79) were independent protective factors against falls, whereas cognition and vitality showed no significant associations. Subgroup analysis indicated that smoking status and multimorbidity significantly modified the association between intrinsic capacity and falls (interaction P<0.05). Conclusions: Intrinsic capacity is inversely associated with falls in older adults, with locomotion, psychological, and sensory functions serving as important protective domains. Fall prevention strategies should emphasize multidimensional assessment and integrated interventions, particularly targeting high-risk populations, to promote functional health and safety in aging.

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