Using conditional inference forests to examine predictive ability for future falls and syncope in older adults: Results from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.

Conditional inference forest models using over 70 risk factors resulted in low predictive accuracy for future recurrent, injurious and unexplained falls and syncope in community-dwelling adults. Gait and mobility impairments were important predictors of most outcomes but did not discriminate well between fallers and non-fallers. Results highlight the importance of multifactorial risk assessment and intervention and validate key modifiable risk factors for future falls and syncope.