Table 3 Frequency of fall, near-falls, mechanism, location and injuries sustained from falls

Participants reporting at least 1 fall in past year

48

45.3

Frequency of falls

   • 1 fall

37

77.1

   • 2 or more falls

11

22.9

Location of fall*

   • In home or residence

29

49.2

   • Outside the home or residence

10

17.0

   • Indoors in the community

5

8.5

   • Outdoors in the community

15

25.4

Mechanisms or causes of the fall*

   • Tripped (impact of swing leg on external object)

21

35.6

   • Slipped (sliding of support leg)

16

27.1

   • Lost balance

15

25.4

   • Missed curb or step

4

6.8

   • Muscle weakness/leg gave away

3

5.0

Activity at time of the fall

   • Ambulating

33

55.9

   • Ascending or descending stairs or step

13

22.0

   • Reaching

7

11.9

   • Getting up or down from chair or bed

6

10.2

Injuries sustained from falls reported*

   • Fracture

6

10.2

   • No fracture, but other injuries beyond minor scratch or bruise

18

30.5

   • No injury

35

59.3

Frequency of Near falls**

   • Frequent (1/week or more)

31

29.8

   • Occasional (< 1/week but more than once or twice in past year)

49

47.1

   • Never

24

23.1