We are pleased to announce that Hidde van der Velde, a medical student, has recently completed his scientific internship at our research department. Under the supervision of Vera Rooth and Ruth van Nispen, Hidde conducted an important study on the impact of visual function on fall incidents in the elderly.
Background and Objective of the Study
Falls pose a serious health risk for older adults, with potentially severe consequences such as fractures or even death. While it is known that visual impairments and reduced depth perception contribute to fall risk, many questions remain about the precise relationship between visual function and fall incidents.
Hidde’s research aimed to map both visual and non-visual factors involved in falls, with the ultimate goal of improving prevention strategies.
Research Method
The study utilized data from the iScreen randomized controlled trial, which examined 234 elderly individuals receiving home care. Visual function was assessed using standardized tests, including the Colenbrander-1M visual acuity test and the Amsler grid. Additionally, questionnaires were used to collect supplementary data. Logistic regression analysis was applied to examine the relationship between various factors and fall incidents.
Key Findings
Univariate analysis revealed that a history of ophthalmic conditions and severe mobility problems were significantly associated with a higher number of fall incidents. Interestingly, multivariate analysis showed that no single factor alone had a significant impact on the number of falls. This highlights the complexity of fall-related issues in the elderly and the need for a multifactorial approach.
Implications and Future Perspectives
Although the study had some limitations, such as reliance on self-reported data, it provides valuable insights for future research.
Hidde’s work lays a solid foundation for follow-up studies focusing on additional aspects of visual function and larger sample sizes.
We congratulate Hidde van der Velde on completing his internship and making a valuable contribution to this important field of research. His work will undoubtedly aid in the development of more effective fall prevention strategies for the elderly in the future.