• A study was performed to identify and rank risk factors for falling among populations of
institutionalized (fallers, N= 79, nonfallers, N= 70) and noninstitutionalized (fallers, N= 34,
nonfallers, N= 34) elderly persons. Fallers were matched by age, sex, and living location to
nonfaller control subjects. A nurse practitioner performed a comprehensive physical
assessment in all subjects using a standardized protocol and physician consultation. Fallers
in both populations were significantly more physically and functionally impaired than control …