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Background: Factors associated with falls after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been rarely reported. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence the incidence of falls after TKA, focusing on toe grip strength (TGS) in particular, which has been associated with falls in older adults. Methods: 217 patients who underwent TKA were included and followed up for 1 year. Main study outcome measures were the presence or absence of falls within 1 year after TKA. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used with postoperative falls as the dependent variable and preoperative falls and postoperative TGS on the affected sides as independent variables. Results: 170 (43 and 127 in the fall and non‐fall groups) patients were included in the analysis. The presence of a preoperative falls history before TKA and a weak postoperative affected TGS indicated an increased susceptibility of the patient to fall postoperatively. Conclusions: Results of the current study revealed the association between postoperative TGS and postoperative falls. We highlight the importance of preoperative fall monitoring and postoperative TGS evaluation to prevent falls after TKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA), one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases in older adults, is associated with a high incidence of falls. Similarly, toe grip strength (TGS) is associated with a history of falls in older adults; however, the relationship between TGS and falls in older adults with KOA who are at risk of falling is not known. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if TGS is associated with a history of falls in older adults with KOA. Methods: The study participants, older adults with KOA scheduled to undergo unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA), were divided into two groups: non-fall (n = 256) and fall groups (n = 74). Descriptive data, fall-related assessments, modified Fall Efficacy Scale (mFES), radiographic data, pain, and physical function including TGS were evaluated. The assessment was conducted on the day before performing TKA. Mann–Whitney and chi-squared tests were performed to compare the two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of each outcome with the presence or absence of falls. Results: Mann-Whitney U test revealed that the fall group had statistically significantly lower height, TGS on the affected and unaffected sides, and mFES. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the incidence of fall history is associated with TGS on the affected side; the weaker the affected TGS of the KOA, the more likely the individual is to fall. Conclusions: Our results indicate that TGS on the affected side is related to a history of falls in older adults with KOA. The significance of evaluating TGS among patients with KOA in routine clinical practice was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Falls on stairs are a major cause of severe injuries among older adults, with stair descent posing significantly greater risks than ascent. Variations in stair descent phenotypes may reflect differences in physical function and biomechanical stability, and their identification may prevent falls., Aims: This study aims to classify stair descent phenotypes in older adults and investigate the biomechanical and physical functional differences between these phenotypes using hierarchical cluster analysis., Methods: Eighty-two older adults participated in this study. Stair descent was measured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Physical function was assessed using measures of muscle strength, walking speed, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and the Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CB&M)., Results: Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed on kinematic data obtained during stair descent. Three phenotypes were identified: neutral (N-type; 24%), extension (E-type; 52%), and rotation (R-type; 23%). There were no significant differences in lower limb muscle strength or walking speed among the different types, and TUG scores showed no differences in terms of mobility or balance abilities. However, CB&M scores were significantly lower for E-type and R-type compared to N-type. Sub-analyses revealed that while there were no differences in the mobility factor of CB&M between E-type and R-type, the strength factors were significantly lower compared to those for N-type., Discussion: These results suggest that E-type and R-type stair-descent patterns may be influenced by declines in standing balance ability and muscle strength., Conclusions: These findings may inform fall-prevention training programs related to stair descent among older adults., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethical approval: The study was approved by the Kansai Medical University Ethics Committee (# 2020294) and was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent: All participants completed an informed consent process before starting experimentation., (© 2025. The Author(s).)