• Tsuyoshi Asai, Shogo Misu, Ryuichi Sawa, Takehiko Doi, and Minoru Yamada.
• Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, 518 Ikawadanicho, Arise, Nishi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2180, Japan. asai@reha.kobegakuin.ac.jp.
• Aging Clin Exp Res. 2015 Oct 1; 27 (5): 711-6.

BackgroundThe number of chronic musculoskeletal pain sites (nCMSP) is reportedly associated with risk of falls. Older participants in community-based research show a wide range of physical functions, but few studies have focused on the risk of falls in older adults with normal motor function (NMF). Clarification of the effects of pain on dual-tasking performance is also important, given the strong link between falls and dual-tasking.AimsThe objectives were to investigate the associations between: (1) nCMSP and falls; and (2) nCMSP and dual-task performance in older adults with NMF.MethodsA total of 112 older adults with NMF (44 men, 68 women; 73.4 ± 4.6 years) were classified as fallers (n = 22) or non-fallers (n = 90) according to their fall history. Musculoskeletal pain in the lower body was assessed using questions ascertaining pain in musculoskeletal sites (back, hip, knee, foot, or toe). Participants were assigned to three pain groups according to nCMSP. Basic physical performances and gait performances (normal gait, fast gait, or dual-task gait) were measured.ResultsThe nCMSP represented a significant risk factor for falls according to logistic regression modeling after adjusting for the five chair stand test and fear of falls. The nCMSP was not associated with any gait variables.DiscussionPotential fall risk may be increased by nCMSP, even in older adults with NMF. Pain-related reduction in attention resources may not represent a risk factor for falls among older adults with NMF.ConclusionsThe nCMSP represents a potential risk factor for falls in older adults with NMF.

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