The frequency of falls in the elderly in turkey, factors affecting falls and the effect of physical activity programs: A systematic review and meta-analysis study

This study was carried out to examine the frequency of falls in elderly individuals in Turkey, the factors affecting falls, and the effects of physical activity interventions to increase the balance of the elderly and prevent falls. The research was carried out as a systematic review and meta-analysis between January 2022 and June 2023 in Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health. Quantitative data from 49 cross-sectional/descriptive studies and 25 randomized controlled studies were used by searching the databases according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the determined study. In the analysis of data, Cochran Q test p value in heterogeneity assessment, Random Effects Model, Fixed Effects Model, Higgins' I², Egger's Test, and Duval and Tweedie's Clipping and Fill Method were used. As a result of the research, the prevalence of falls in elderly individuals in Turkey was found to be 33.0%, the prevalence of falls in elderly women was 41.1%, the prevalence of falls in elderly men was 24.5%, and the prevalence of recurrent falls in the elderly who had a fall was 39.4%. Among the physical activity interventions performed in Turkey to increase the balance status of the elderly, the studies that provide the highest improvement in the average balance scores are, respectively, multicomponent balance exercises, Tai Chi exercises, pilates exercises, square step exercises and Otago exercises. In this study, it was found that the frequency of falls in elderly women in Turkey is higher than men, physical activity interventions to increase the balance status of the elderly are effective, and the effect increases as the duration of the intervention is prolonged.