Developing Population-Specific Predictive Regression Equations for Body Segment Parameters

With an increase in the older adult population aged 65 and over in the United States, there has also been an increase in the incidence of injury amongst this age group. In 2003, injury was the sixth leading cause of death in adults aged 65–74 and seventh in adults aged 75–84 [1,2]. Additionally, the cost of non-fatal injuries doubled from ages 65–74 to ages 75–84, showing not only a potential for increased injury risk in older adults, but also an increase in economic burden with age [1,3]. However, age is just one factor contributing to the increased injury risk. Obesity has also been shown to impact injury risk [4,5]. Research has shown that overweight adults over the age of 65 have a greater risk for impaired physical function and injury [4,5].