Fear of falling and postural performance in the elderly
Article Abstract:
Although falling and associated injuries constitute a major problem in the elderly population, fear of falling may be an even greater problem. Such a fear can result in a loss of confidence, and a resulting decrease in activity that can lead to a loss of independence. One of the major risk factors associated with falling is thought to be deterioration of postural control. A number of studies have found an association between falling and postural performance on tests of posture. These studies compared the postural test results of fallers and nonfallers. The poor performance on postural tests could be caused by anxiety and a fear of falling rather than actual postural defects. This study examined the relationship between fear of falling and performance on postural tests in elderly subjects. One hundred elderly subjects were recruited and given tests regarding fear of falling. The subjects were then grouped into one of two groups, either a fear group or a no-fear group. They were also classified as fallers or nonfallers based upon previous history of falls. The subjects were then tested using various measurements of postural performance. Results showed that there was no relationship between fear of falling and previous falls. Anterior-posterior sway was significantly increased for the fear group on the vision-deprived spontaneous-sway test. Tests for medial-lateral sway did not find differences between the fear and no-fear groups. The fear group had significantly poorer scores on the test for standing on one leg with the eyes open. Subjects who had experienced falls did not differ significantly on any of the tests from those who had not fallen before. Fallers did have significantly poorer scores than non-fallers in the clinical balance assessment. These results indicate that fear of falling can influence the results of postural tests and that research in the elderly regarding falls should take this fear into consideration when interpreting results and drawing conclusions. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1991
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Comparison of biomechanics platform measures of balance and videotaped measures of gait with a clinical mobility scale in elderly women
Article Abstract:
Being able to keep one's balance is key to preventing falls, especially in the elderly; yet diminished vision and other factors contribute to postural instability (swaying while standing still), and while walking. There exists now a mobility index that can be predictive of who will fall but it has some drawbacks. Biomechanics measurements, and videotaping how people walk, offer some advantages, but these methods are not portable. Researchers are now looking for ways to merge the two ways of assessing patients to predict falls, which in turn can lead to intervention programs to prevent them. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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