Is there any association between ventricular ectopy and falls in community-dwelling older adults?

Uni-channel ECG was recorded using a wearable-sensor in 45 female elders aged 65 and above. Participants were categorized as non-fallers (n=22) and fallers (n=23) based on historical report of falling in the last 12 month. For data analysis, PVC episodes were extracted using an automatic code developed in Matlab, and checked manually by an expert to ensure accuracy. Number of PVC episodes per hour was extracted as the parameter of interest in this study and compared between fallers and non-fallers using analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Number of PVC episodes per hour was not significantly different (p>0.05) between non-fallers (41.65±74.22) and fallers (43.62±59.48). In this study, the association of PVC frequency with fall risk and fear of fall was also studied; Number of PVC episodes were higher in high fall risk compared to low fall risk, and in high concern of fall compared to low concern of fall (p>0.05).