EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RISK GRADING NURSING ON FALL PREVENTION IN ELDERLY ATHLETES: A CLINICAL ANALYSIS BASED ON RISK FACTORS

Abstract

This study explores the risk factors associated with falls among elderly individuals, particularly focusing on elderly athletes, and evaluates the efficacy of risk grading nursing interventions in fall prevention. A total of 200 hospitalized elderly patients from January 2020 to October 2021 were selected for this research. These individuals were initially categorized into a fall group and a non-fall group based on incidents reported within one month, to identify various influencing factors of falls through both univariate and multivariate analyses. Patients without previous falls were then randomly assigned to either a traditional nursing group or a risk grading group. The latter group received both routine nursing and targeted risk grading interventions, whereas the traditional group received only routine care. The effectiveness of these interventions was assessed by comparing the incidence of falls and changes in functional scores from the Tinetti Balance Gait Assessment Scale, alongside cognitive, behavioral, and psychological assessments using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). The findings indicated that age, physical function, psychological health, and self-cognition significantly influence the risk of falls among elderly individuals, including athletes. Implementing risk grading nursing significantly enhanced cognitive functions, gait balance, and psychological well-being, thereby reducing the incidence of falls. These results underscore the potential of risk grading nursing not only in a clinical setting but also as a preventive measure in sports programs for the elderly, suggesting its value for broader clinical adoption to enhance the safety and quality of life for elderly athletes.