The Relationship Between Fear of Falling and Balance in Community-Dwelling Older People

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between fear of falling and balance in community-dwelling older adults. Materials and Method: Study sample included 100 volunteers. The assessment of fear of falling was performed by Falls Efficacy Scale-International; mobility by Timed-up and Go Test, balance by Berg Balance Scale, and disability by Modified Barthel Index. Results: Falls Efficacy Scale-International and Timed-up and Go Test scores were significantly higher, and Berg Balance Scale -scores were significantly lower in women and in subjects older than 70 years (p<0.05). Falls Efficacy Scale-International scores were correlated with Timed-up and Go Test scores positively, and with Berg Balance Scale scores negatively (p<0.001). There was a negative correlation between age and Berg Balance Scale score (p<0.05), and a positive correlation between age and Timed-up and Go Test and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (p<0.001) scores. Age, Modified Barthel Index, Timed-up and Go Test, and Berg Balance Scale scores were significantly higher in subjects with Falls Efficacy Scale-International score ?24 than subjects with Falls Efficacy Scale-International score <24 (p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the most significant correlations with Falls Efficacy Scale-International scores were Berg Balance Scale and Timed-up and Go Test scores (p<0.001). Age (p=0.004) and gender (p=0.017) were associated with Falls Efficacy Scale-International scores. Conclusion: There is a possible relation between fear of falling and balance performance in older people and this interaction should be considered in geriatric rehabilitation especially in elderly women.