Perceptions of falls risk and falls prevention among people with osteoarthritis.

Falls were often seen as inevitable consequence of keeping active. Re-framing the language used to discuss falls is recommended to promote uptake of falls prevention activities.Implications for rehabilitationDespite growing evidence that osteoarthritis (OA) is an independent risk factor for falls, people with OA do not perceive themselves to be at risk and falls prevention is for those who are "old and frail".Re-framing the language used to discuss falls and falls prevention to focus on positive messages may promote the uptake of falls prevention activities in this population.Improving the awareness of falls and falls risk among people with OA through effective health education is needed in order to foster the uptake of, and engagement with, falls prevention activities.