1
|
Savvakis I, Adamakidou T, Kleisiaris C. Physical-activity interventions to reduce fear of falling in frail and pre-frail older adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Eur Geriatr Med 2024; 15:333-344. [PMID: 38411771 PMCID: PMC10997712 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-024-00944-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty in older adults leads to progressive deterioration of their physical condition and makes them prone to develop Fear of Falling (FoF). Physical-activity interventions appear to be effective in managing the components of frailty but there is no clear evidence to determine whether physical-activity may affect FoF in frail and pre-frail older adults. OBJECTIVE Τhis systematic literature review aims to synthesize evidence on the relationship between the physical interventions to ameliorate balance, strength, and mobility and FoF reduction in frail and pre-frail older adults. METHODS Studies assessing physical-activity interventions for frail and pre-frail older adults aged 60 years and older were identified in English through searches in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases till February 2023. Study quality was assessed, and a qualitative synthesis of results was performed. RESULTS A total of 13 studies published were included. All of them were Randomized Control Trials and the most frequent assessment tool used to assess FoF (10 of 13 studies) was the Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Six studies were assessed as having a low risk of bias. Cumulatively, the findings of this review indicate that physical-activity interventions are effective in reducing the FoF of frail and pre-frail older adults. CONCLUSION The results are encouraging and recapitulate the positive role of physical interventions in FoF reduction. However, future research would benefit from longer follow-up periods, longer intervention duration, and participation of interdisciplinary teams.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Savvakis
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion, Greece.
| | - Theodoula Adamakidou
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Kleisiaris
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Valsecchi N, Alhambra-Borrás T, Doñate-Martínez A, Korenhof SA, Raat H, Garcés-Ferrer J. Self-efficacy as a mediator between frailty and falls among community-dwelling older citizens. J Health Psychol 2024; 29:347-357. [PMID: 38279556 DOI: 10.1177/13591053231223879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Frailty is one of the most challenging issues among older adults, and the relationship between frailty and falls has already been assessed numerous times in literature. In the present study, we explored the mediating role of self-efficacy related to falls (FSe) in the relationship between frailty and fall risk. In a cross-sectional design, 1080 community-dwelling older adults from Rotterdam (Netherlands) and Valencia (Spain) completed a questionnaire and data were then analyzed via mediation analysis using a bootstrapping approach. Results show that higher frailty is associated with higher fall incidence, and higher FSe is a partial mediator of this association, with a confidence interval for the indirect effect of 0.131-0.247. Moreover, results showed gender differences in FSe levels; women had lower FSe scores. Deepening research on the construct of FSe may give potential explanations that account for the emerged gender differences, and it could be more targeted in fall prevention programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hein Raat
- Erasmus Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Adandom HC, Nwankwo HC, Adandom II, Akinrolie O, Odole AC, Scott DR, Awosoga OA. Exploring the relationship between falls, fall-related psychological concerns, and personality traits in adults: A scoping review protocol. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e1848. [PMID: 38299208 PMCID: PMC10826239 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Personality traits, such as neuroticism and extraversion, are emerging as important predictors of falls. Despite their significance, existing fall prevention programs often overlook these traits, creating a notable research gap. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive scoping review to explore the existing literature on the relationships among personality traits, falls, and fall-related psychological concerns (FrPCs). Methods This scoping review will adhere to the framework established by Arksey and O'Malley, incorporating extensions recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute and using the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A thorough search strategy will be employed, aligning with the population, concept, and context (PCC) selection criteria. Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus, will be searched from their inception to the present. Additionally, a manual search of the reference lists of identified and relevant full-text articles will be conducted. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts, perform full-text reviews, and extract data from pertinent articles. Discussion Personality traits are increasingly recognized as influential predictors of falls and related psychological concerns. This review aims to make a substantial contribution to the existing literature by being the first to comprehensively explore and provide a descriptive synthesis of the relationship between personality traits and falls, as well as FrPCs in adults. It is hoped that the outcomes of this review will enhance our comprehension of the role of personality traits in falls, potentially informing future research and strategies for this critical area of study. Scoping Review Registration This scoping review protocol was registered with Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/KR74X).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Henry C. Nwankwo
- Warwick Medical SchoolUniversity of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Olayinka Akinrolie
- Applied Health Science, Faculty of Graduate StudiesUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Adesola C. Odole
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of MedicineUniversity of IbadanIbadanNigeria
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pitluk Barash M, Elboim-Gabyzon M, Shuper Engelhard E. Investigating the emotional content of older adults engaging in a fall prevention exercise program integrated with dance movement therapy: a preliminary study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1260299. [PMID: 37790228 PMCID: PMC10543662 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1260299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fall prevention interventions for older adults have primarily focused on the physical aspects, overlooking the emotional aspects inherent in falls. This qualitative study presents a novel fall prevention intervention that integrates physical therapy exercise (PTE) based on the Otago Exercise Program with Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) to address the emotional experience during PTE. The aim of this study is to explore the emotional content expressed by older adults during balance-focused exercises and the unique emotional content expressions following the PTE + DMT intervention compared to the PTE intervention. Eleven older adults (aged 81-91 years) from a day center were randomly assigned to either the PTE + DMT group (n = 6) or the PTE group (n = 5). Interpretative phenomenological analysis of the instructors' observations and process diary identified three themes that emerged during the sessions: (1) self-image and self-worth, (2) the individual in relation to others, and (3) past memories. These themes highlight both similarities and differences between the groups. These findings provide valuable insights into the emotional experiences encountered by older adults, particularly in the context of falls prevention practices. Recognizing, understanding, and facilitating the expression of these experiences can enhance the effectiveness of fall prevention interventions and contribute to the overall health of older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Pitluk Barash
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, Kibbutzim College of Education, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michal Elboim-Gabyzon
- Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Einat Shuper Engelhard
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, Kibbutzim College of Education, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dabkowski E, Missen K, Duncan J, Cooper S. Falls risk perception measures in hospital: a COSMIN systematic review. J Patient Rep Outcomes 2023; 7:58. [PMID: 37358752 DOI: 10.1186/s41687-023-00603-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Falls prevention in hospital continues to be a research priority because of the poor health outcomes and financial burdens that can arise. Recently updated World Guidelines for Falls Prevention and Management strongly recommend evaluating patients' concerns about falling as part of a multifactorial assessment. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the quality of falls risk perception measures for adults in a hospital setting. This review was conducted using the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments guidelines and provides a comprehensive summary of these instruments, including psychometric properties, feasibility and clinical recommendations for their use. The review followed a prospectively registered protocol, in which a total of ten databases were searched between the years 2002 and 2022. Studies were included if the instruments measured falls risk perception and/or other psychological falls constructs, if they were conducted in a hospital setting and if the target population contained hospital inpatients. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 20 falls risk perception measures. These falls risk perception instruments were grouped into five falls-related constructs: Balance Confidence, Falls Efficacy/Concern, Fear of Falling, Self-Awareness and Behaviour/Intention. Two of the patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) received Class A recommendations (Falls Risk Perception Questionnaire and the Spinal Cord Injury-Falls Concern Scale); however, this rating is only applicable for the populations/context described in the studies. Thirteen PROMs received Class B recommendations, solidifying the need for further validation studies of these PROMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elissa Dabkowski
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia, Northways Road, Churchill, VIC, 3842, Australia.
| | - Karen Missen
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia, Northways Road, Churchill, VIC, 3842, Australia
| | - Jhodie Duncan
- Research Unit, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon West, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon Cooper
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Federation University Australia, Berwick, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Castelblanco Toro SM, Jurado Delgado J, Meneses Bernal JF, Santacruz Escudero JM, Santamaria-García H. Fear of Falling as a Behavioral Symptom in Neurocognitive Impaired Patients: Evidence from an Underrepresented Population. J Alzheimers Dis 2023:JAD230266. [PMID: 37393502 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear of falling (FoF) is a condition associated with falls, multi-morbidity, and functional impairment. To date it remains unknow which clinical, somatic, socio-demographic, behavioral, and emotional factors are associated with FoF and how these factors interact in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). OBJECTIVE Identify the association of FoF with clinical, socio-demographic, and neuropsychiatric factors in patients with AD and bvFTD. METHODS We evaluated 98 participants, 58 with AD and 40 with bvFTD at mild or moderate stages and assess FoF using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Additionally, we analyzed cognitive, physical performance variables, functional impairment, and affective and behavioral symptoms associated with FoF using standardized scales and a regression model analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of FoF in AD and bvFTD was 51% and 40%, respectively. In the AD group, physical performance [F (3, 53) = 4.318, p = 0.009], the behavioral symptoms model [F (19, 38) = 3.314, p = 0.001], and the anxiety model [F (1, 56) = 13.4, p≤0.01] showed statistically significant values. In addition, the presence of hallucinations assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and social behavior assessed with the Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist were significant. In contrast, in the bvFTD group, a homologous group of models was evaluated but we did not find any significant results. CONCLUSION FoF in people with AD was related to physical performance, neuropsychiatric symptoms such as apathy and hallucinations, and affective symptoms such as anxiety. However, this pattern was not seen in the bvFTD group, and therefore further studies are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Milena Castelblanco Toro
- Institute of Aging of the Faculty of Medicine of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Psychiatry Department, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Intellectus Memory and Cognition Center, San Ignacio University Hospital, Bogotá, DC, Colombia
| | - Janeth Jurado Delgado
- Universidad del Valle (Univalle), Clínica alta complejidad Santa Bárbara, Palmira, Colombia
| | | | - José Manuel Santacruz Escudero
- Institute of Aging of the Faculty of Medicine of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Intellectus Memory and Cognition Center, San Ignacio University Hospital, Bogotá, DC, Colombia
| | - Hernando Santamaria-García
- Psychiatry Department, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Intellectus Memory and Cognition Center, San Ignacio University Hospital, Bogotá, DC, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ferris J, Zwier J, Carender WJ, Sienko KH. Differences between physical therapist ratings, self-ratings, and posturographic measures when assessing static balance exercise intensity. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2023; 4:1096171. [PMID: 37250428 PMCID: PMC10213890 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1096171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Introduction In order for balance therapy to be successful, the training must occur at the appropriate dosage. However, physical therapist (PT) visual evaluation, the current standard of care for intensity assessment, is not always effective during telerehabilitation. Alternative balance exercise intensity assessment methods have not previously been compared to expert PT evaluations. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the relationship between PT participant ratings of standing balance exercise intensity and balance participant self-ratings or quantitative posturographic measures. Methods Ten balance participants with age or vestibular disorder-related balance concerns completed a total of 450 standing balance exercises (three trials each of 150 exercises) while wearing an inertial measurement unit on their lower back. They provided per-trial and per-exercise self-ratings of balance intensity on a scale from 1 (steady) to 5 (loss of balance). Eight PT participants reviewed video recordings and provided a total of 1,935 per-trial and 645 per-exercise balance intensity expert ratings. Results PT ratings were of good inter-rater reliability and significantly correlated with exercise difficulty, supporting the use of this intensity scale. Per-trial and per-exercise PT ratings were significantly correlated with both self-ratings (r = 0.77-0.79) and kinematic data (r = 0.35-0.74). However, the self-ratings were significantly lower than the PT ratings (difference of 0.314-0.385). Resulting predictions from self-ratings or kinematic data agreed with PT ratings approximately 43.0-52.4% of the time, and agreement was highest for ratings of a 5. Discussion These preliminary findings suggested that self-ratings best indicated two intensity levels (i.e., higher/lower) and sway kinematics were most reliable at intensity extremes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Ferris
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jonathan Zwier
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Wendy J. Carender
- Michigan Balance Vestibular Testing and Rehabilitation, Department of Otolaryngology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kathleen H. Sienko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pitluk Barash M, Shuper Engelhard E, Elboim-Gabyzon M. Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Novel Intervention Integrating Physical Therapy Exercise and Dance Movement Therapy on Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Women: A Randomized Pilot Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11081104. [PMID: 37107938 PMCID: PMC10137670 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This pilot study presents a novel fall prevention intervention that integrates physical therapy exercise (PTE) and dance movement therapy (DMT) to address both physical and emotional fall risk factors, as well as factors influencing adherence to treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention in a sample of eight older women (median = 86 [81.25-90.75] years) from a day center for senior citizens. The intervention, based on the Otago Exercise Program and DMT techniques, aimed to address the emotional experience during physical exercise. Participants were randomly assigned to either a PTE+DMT intervention group (n = 5) or a PTE control group (n = 3). A pre-post intervention battery of physical and emotional fall risk assessments, therapist-patient bond, and home exercise adherence was conducted. Non-parametric tests results showed significant improvement in the PTE+DMT group in measures of balance and fear of falling compared to the PTE group. However, no other significant differences were found between the groups in terms of falls-related psychological concerns, self-perceived health status, therapist-patient bond, and home exercise adherence. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and potential benefits of an intervention that integrates both physical and emotional aspects to reduce fall risk in older adults, and provide a basis for further studies and modifications in the research protocol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Pitluk Barash
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Einat Shuper Engelhard
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
- The Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, Kibbutzim College of Education, Tel Aviv 6250769, Israel
| | - Michal Elboim-Gabyzon
- Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Espírito Santo J, Hita-Contreras F, Marques de Loureiro NE, Brandão Loureiro V, Aibar-Almazán A, Carcelén-Fraile MDC, Ortiz-Quesada R. Associations between the impact of menopausal symptoms and fall-related self-efficacy. Menopause 2023; 30:421-426. [PMID: 36727788 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the association between the severity of menopausal symptoms and two important fall risk factors, namely balance confidence and fear of falling, among Portuguese and Spanish postmenopausal women 65 years or older. METHODS A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on 363 women (66.21 ± 9.00 y) from several Portuguese and Spanish locations. The Menopause Rating Scale was used to evaluate the severity of menopausal symptoms, while the Falls Efficacy Scale-International and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale-16 items were used to assess balance confidence and fear of falling, respectively. Anxiety and depression (evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), age, time since the onset of menopause, body mass index, history of falls, osteoporosis, smoking habit, physical activity level, and nocturia were considered as potential confounders. Independent associations were analyzed after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Student's t test, bivariate correlations, and multivariate linear regression analysis were performed. RESULTS A total of 363 women (66.21 ± 9.00 y) participated in the study, 192 from Portugal and 171 from Spain. Linear regression analysis indicates that more severe menopausal symptoms at a somatovegetative level (beta coefficient [β] = -0.25; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], -2.09 to -0.81; P = <0.001), a higher body mass index (β = -0.16; 95% CI, -1.22 to -0.22; P = 0.005), and osteoporosis (β = 0.14; 95% CI, 1.36 to 10.08; P = 0.010) were associated with lower balance confidence values. On the other hand, a higher score in the Menopause Rating Scale somatovegetative domain (β = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.27-0.79; P = <0.001), depression (β = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.59-1.08; P = <0.001), and years after the menopause onset (β = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.04-0.22; P = 0.006) were linked to increased fear of falling. CONCLUSIONS The findings of our study show that, after taking into account possible confounders, increased severity of menopausal symptoms at a somatic level was associated with heightened fear of falling and diminished balance confidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fidel Hita-Contreras
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén. Jaén, Spain
| | | | | | - Agustín Aibar-Almazán
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén. Jaén, Spain
| | | | - Raúl Ortiz-Quesada
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pengpid S, Peltzer K. Tridirectional association between probable depression, fear of falling and falls among middle-aged and older adults in Thailand. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 109:104955. [PMID: 36758485 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.104955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Depression is a major issue in the aging population, which may be related to fear of falling (FOF) and falls contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to assess the tridirectional associations between probable depression (PD), FOF and falls in a longitudinal study in Thailand. METHODS Longitudinal data of participants (≥45 years; N = 3708) from two consecutive waves (in 2015 and 2017) of the Health, Aging and Retirement in Thailand (HART) study were analysed. PD was assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, self-reported FOF and history of falls. RESULTS Having no PD in 2015 and PD in 2017 (aOR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.67 to 3.30), and having both PD in 2015 and 2017 (aOR: 3.46, 95% CI: 1.92 to 6.23) were positively associated with incident FOF with activity avoidance, and no FOF in 2015 and FOF in 2017 (aOR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.77 to 2.95), and both FOF in 2015 and 2017 (aOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.69 to 3.36) were positively associated with incident PD. Two or more falls in 2015 (aOR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.29 to 3.19) was positively associated with incident PD, and both PD in 2015 and 2017 (aOR: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.40 to 6.48) were positively associated with incident multiple (≥2) falls. CONCLUSIONS We found tridirectional associations between PD, FOF and falls. It is suggested to screen and manage older adults for PD, FOF and fall history simultaneously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Supa Pengpid
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Karl Peltzer
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Strutz N, Brodowski H, Mümken SA, Müller-Werdan U, Kiselev J. Fall Risk and Coping of Older Adults After Hospitalization: A Mixed Methods Study. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2023; 9:23337214231152700. [PMID: 36755745 PMCID: PMC9900158 DOI: 10.1177/23337214231152700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Coping is defined as cognitive and behavioral effort to manage specific external and/or internal demands, such as managing one's own fall risk. Little is known about the relationship between the risk of falling in older adults and their coping strategies. The purpose of this study is to examine the fall risk after hospitalization, the adequacy of self-perceived fall risk and coping strategies of older adults. In this mixed-methods study, the adequacy of perceived fall risk was determined using the de Morton Mobility Index and the ABC Scale in 98 geriatric patients recruited in a geriatric hospital. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subsample of 16 participants 6 months after discharge to identify coping strategies. The six interviewees who adequately assessed their fall risk reported active/positive coping. In contrast, participants who assessed their fall risk inadequately (10 out of 16) reported passive/negative coping. Older adults who inadequately assessed their fall risk need special accompaniment in geriatric wards to develop active/positive coping strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Strutz
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin,
Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and
Berlin Institute of Health, Germany,Nicole Strutz, Geriatrics Research Group,
Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität
Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health,
Reinickendorfer Str. 61, Berlin 13347, Germany.
| | - Hanna Brodowski
- Institution of Health Sciences,
Department od Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck University of
Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Sandra Angelika Mümken
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin,
Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and
Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Ursula Müller-Werdan
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin,
Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and
Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Joern Kiselev
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin,
Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and
Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pol F, Khajooei Z, Hosseini SM, Taheri A, Forghany S, Menz HB. Foot and ankle characteristics associated with fear of falling and mobility in community-dwelling older people: a cross-sectional study. J Foot Ankle Res 2022; 15:86. [PMID: 36494867 PMCID: PMC9733241 DOI: 10.1186/s13047-022-00593-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear of falling is multifactorial in etiology and is associated with falls. It has been demonstrated that foot problems increase the risk of falls in older people. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the associations of foot and ankle characteristics with fear of falling and mobility in community-dwelling older people. METHOD One hundred and eighty-seven community-dwelling older adults (106 females) aged 62-90 years (mean 70.5 ± 5.2) from Isfahan, Iran, were recruited. Foot and ankle characteristics (including foot posture, range of motion, muscle strength, deformity, tactile sensation, pain and dynamic function), fear of falling (Fall Efficacy Scale International) and mobility (Timed Up and Go Test) were measured. Two multivariate linear regression analyses identified variables independently associated with fear of falling and mobility. RESULTS Linear regression analysis revealed that less ankle plantarflexor muscle strength, greater pressure-time integral, foot pain, and reduced tactile sensitivity of the ankle were significantly and independently associated with increased fear of falling. The total variance explained by the model was 59%. Less ankle plantarflexor muscle strength, greater pressure-time integral, and slower centre of pressure velocity were significantly and independently associated with poorer mobility. The total variance explained by the model was 48%. CONCLUSION Several foot and ankle characteristics are associated with fear of falling and mobility in older people. Targeting these modifiable risk factors may play a role in reducing fear of falling and enhancing mobility performance in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Pol
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XMusculoskeletal Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zahra Khajooei
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XMusculoskeletal Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sayed Mohsen Hosseini
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XEpidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Taheri
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XMusculoskeletal Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saeed Forghany
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XMusculoskeletal Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran ,grid.8752.80000 0004 0460 5971Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Salford, Greater, Manchester, UK
| | - Hylton B. Menz
- grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938Discipline of Podiatry, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Choi NG, Zhou Y, Marti CN, Kunik ME. Associations Between Changes in Depression/Anxiety Symptoms and Fall Worry Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults. J Appl Gerontol 2022; 41:2520-2531. [PMID: 35938473 PMCID: PMC9671840 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221119464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Using the 2019 and 2020 National Health and Aging Trend Study, we examined the association between fall worry and changes in depression/anxiety symptoms among community-dwelling older adults age 70+ (N = 3333). Past-month fall worry in 2020 included any fall worry (30.9%) and activity-limiting fall worry (34.0% of those with any fall worry). Changes in depression/anxiety symptoms referred to an increase or decrease in the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 symptom categories between 2019 and 2020. Those with fall worry, compared to those without, had significantly higher rates of moderate/severe depression/anxiety symptoms in 2019 and increased depression/anxiety symptoms over time. Multivariable analysis results show that increased depression anxiety symptoms were associated with higher risks of any and activity-limiting fall worry, controlling for previous year's fall worry, fall incidents, and other health- and fall-related covariates. Older adults need to be screened for both depression/anxiety and fall worry. Effective psychosocial and behavioral interventions for both conditions are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Namkee G. Choi
- Professor, The University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Yuanjin Zhou
- Assistant professor, The University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work, Austin, TX, USA
| | - C. Nathan Marti
- Lecturer, The University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mark E. Kunik
- Director, Houston VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety; Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center; Director, VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; and Professor, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Soh SLH. Falls efficacy: The self-efficacy concept for falls prevention and management. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1011285. [PMID: 36438360 PMCID: PMC9682162 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1011285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Leng-Hsien Soh
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Soh SLH. Measures of falls efficacy, balance confidence, or balance recovery confidence for perturbation-based balance training. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:1025026. [PMID: 36311214 PMCID: PMC9596795 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.1025026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Leng-Hsien Soh
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore, Singapore,Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Shawn Leng-Hsien Soh
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Montero-Odasso M, van der Velde N, Martin FC, Petrovic M, Tan MP, Ryg J, Aguilar-Navarro S, Alexander NB, Becker C, Blain H, Bourke R, Cameron ID, Camicioli R, Clemson L, Close J, Delbaere K, Duan L, Duque G, Dyer SM, Freiberger E, Ganz DA, Gómez F, Hausdorff JM, Hogan DB, Hunter SMW, Jauregui JR, Kamkar N, Kenny RA, Lamb SE, Latham NK, Lipsitz LA, Liu-Ambrose T, Logan P, Lord SR, Mallet L, Marsh D, Milisen K, Moctezuma-Gallegos R, Morris ME, Nieuwboer A, Perracini MR, Pieruccini-Faria F, Pighills A, Said C, Sejdic E, Sherrington C, Skelton DA, Dsouza S, Speechley M, Stark S, Todd C, Troen BR, van der Cammen T, Verghese J, Vlaeyen E, Watt JA, Masud T. World guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults: a global initiative. Age Ageing 2022; 51:afac205. [PMID: 36178003 PMCID: PMC9523684 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 126.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND falls and fall-related injuries are common in older adults, have negative effects on functional independence and quality of life and are associated with increased morbidity, mortality and health related costs. Current guidelines are inconsistent, with no up-to-date, globally applicable ones present. OBJECTIVES to create a set of evidence- and expert consensus-based falls prevention and management recommendations applicable to older adults for use by healthcare and other professionals that consider: (i) a person-centred approach that includes the perspectives of older adults with lived experience, caregivers and other stakeholders; (ii) gaps in previous guidelines; (iii) recent developments in e-health and (iv) implementation across locations with limited access to resources such as low- and middle-income countries. METHODS a steering committee and a worldwide multidisciplinary group of experts and stakeholders, including older adults, were assembled. Geriatrics and gerontological societies were represented. Using a modified Delphi process, recommendations from 11 topic-specific working groups (WGs), 10 ad-hoc WGs and a WG dealing with the perspectives of older adults were reviewed and refined. The final recommendations were determined by voting. RECOMMENDATIONS all older adults should be advised on falls prevention and physical activity. Opportunistic case finding for falls risk is recommended for community-dwelling older adults. Those considered at high risk should be offered a comprehensive multifactorial falls risk assessment with a view to co-design and implement personalised multidomain interventions. Other recommendations cover details of assessment and intervention components and combinations, and recommendations for specific settings and populations. CONCLUSIONS the core set of recommendations provided will require flexible implementation strategies that consider both local context and resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Montero-Odasso
- Gait and Brain Lab, Parkwood Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Nathalie van der Velde
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Internal Medicine, Section of Geriatric Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Finbarr C Martin
- Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mirko Petrovic
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Section of Geriatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maw Pin Tan
- Centre for Innovation in Medical Engineering (CIME), Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Jesper Ryg
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Geriatric Research Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sara Aguilar-Navarro
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Neil B Alexander
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, University of Michigan; Veterans Administration Ann Arbor Healthcare System Geriatrics Research Education Clinical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Clemens Becker
- Department of Clinical Gerontology and Geriatric Rehabilitation, Robert Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Hubert Blain
- Department of Geriatrics, Montpellier University hospital and MUSE, Montpellier, France
| | - Robbie Bourke
- Department of Medical Gerontology Trinity College Dublin and Mercers Institute for Successful Ageing, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ian D Cameron
- John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District and Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Department of Medicine (Neurology) and Neuroscience and Mental Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard Camicioli
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lindy Clemson
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Close
- Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kim Delbaere
- Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Leilei Duan
- National Centre for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Gustavo Duque
- Research Institute of the McGill University HealthCentre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Suzanne M Dyer
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ellen Freiberger
- Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Nürnberg, Germany
| | - David A Ganz
- Multicampus Program in Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fernando Gómez
- Research Group on Geriatrics and Gerontology, International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics Collaborative Center, University Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
| | - Jeffrey M Hausdorff
- Center for the Study of Movement, Cognition and Mobility, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Physical Therapy, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David B Hogan
- Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging, O’BrienInstitute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Susan M W Hunter
- School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Elborn College, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jose R Jauregui
- Ageing Biology Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nellie Kamkar
- Gait and Brain Lab, Parkwood Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Rose-Anne Kenny
- Department of Medical Gerontology Trinity College Dublin and Mercers Institute for Successful Ageing, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah E Lamb
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Mireille Gillings Professor of Health Innovation, Medical School Building, Exeter, England, UK
| | | | - Lewis A Lipsitz
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Teresa Liu-Ambrose
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Center for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pip Logan
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, England, UK
| | - Stephen R Lord
- Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Louise Mallet
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, McGill University Health Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David Marsh
- University College London, London, England, UK
| | - Koen Milisen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rogelio Moctezuma-Gallegos
- Geriatric Medicine & Neurology Fellowship, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”. Mexico City, Mexico
- Geriatric Medicine Program, Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Meg E Morris
- Healthscope and Academic and Research Collaborative in Health (ARCH), La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Alice Nieuwboer
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Neurorehabilitation Research Group (eNRGy), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Monica R Perracini
- Master’s and Doctoral programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de Sao Paulo (UNICID), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frederico Pieruccini-Faria
- Gait and Brain Lab, Parkwood Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Alison Pighills
- Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation, Mackay Hospital and Health Service, Mackay, QLD, Australia
| | - Catherine Said
- Western Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), The University of Melbourne and Western Health, St Albans, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne School of Health Sciences The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ervin Sejdic
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Catherine Sherrington
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dawn A Skelton
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Research Centre for Health (ReaCH), Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Sabestina Dsouza
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Mark Speechley
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Stark
- Program in Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Chris Todd
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, England, UK
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Bruce R Troen
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Buffalo; Research Service, Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Tischa van der Cammen
- Department of Human-Centred Design, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
- Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joe Verghese
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Vlaeyen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jennifer A Watt
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tahir Masud
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The British Geriatrics Society, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, England, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Freiberger E, Fabbietti P, Corsonello A, Lattanzio F, Artzi-Medvedik R, Kob R, Melzer I, Britting S. Transient versus stable nature of fear of falling over 24 months in community-older persons with falls- data of the EU SCOPE project on Kidney function. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:698. [PMID: 35999522 PMCID: PMC9396801 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03357-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear of falling (FoF) is an important risk factor for falls among older people. The objectives of our investigations were: a.) to present characteristics of older community-dwelling (CD) fallers with persistent or transient FoF (P-FoF or T-FoF) over 12 months, and b.) to investigate clinical predictors of P-FoF and T-FoF and c.) to explore differences between P-FoF and T-FoF. METHODS Our series consisted of 389 older people reporting a fall or injurious fall at baseline and during 24 months follow-up participating in a multicenter prospective study. T-FoF was defined as participants reported "not at all" at baseline and "somewhat/fairly/very concerned" at follow-up, or "not at all" at follow-up, and "somewhat/fairly/very concerned" at baseline, and P-FoF was defined as participants answered "somewhat/fairly/very concerned" in both assessments at baseline and at follow-up. The association between risk factors and T-FoF or P-FoF was investigated by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The mean age of fallers in our sample was 79.0 years (SD 6.0), and 54.2% were females. Out of 389 older adults with a fall history at baseline, 83 participants (21.3%) did not report any FoF over time, P-FoF and T-FoF were observed in 42.7% and 35.9% of participants, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders (e.g. age, gender), osteoporosis (OR = 2.04, 95%CI = 1.03-4.05) and impaired physical performance (OR = 2.38, 95%CI = 1.12-5.03) were significant predictors of T-FoF vs No-FoF. Osteoporosis (OR = 2.68, 95%CI = 1.31-5.48), depressive symptoms (OR = 3.54, 95%CI = 1.23-10.1) and living alone (OR = 2.44, 95%CI = 1.17-5.06) were significantly associated with P-FoF vs No-FoF. When comparing T-FoF and P-FoF, female gender (OR = 1.95, 95%CI = 1.16-3.27), BMI (OR = 1.08, 95%CI = 1.02-1.14), overall comorbidity (OR = 1.07, 95%CI = 1.02-1.13) and depression (OR = 2.55, 95%CI = 1.33-4.88) were significant predictors of P-FoF. CONCLUSIONS T-FoF and P-FoF may be predicted by different sets of risk factors among older fallers. Thus, fallers should be screened for FoF especially when carrying specific risk factors, including female gender, osteoporosis, depression, living alone, impaired physical performance, BMI, comorbidity. These findings may be helpful in designing tailored intervention to blunt the risks related to consequence of FoF among older people experiencing falls. TRIAL REGISTRATION The SCOPE study was registered prospectively at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02691546; 25/02/2016).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Freiberger
- Department of Internal Medicine-Geriatrics, Institute for Biomedicine of Aging (IBA), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Paolo Fabbietti
- Italian National Research Center On Aging (IRCCS INRCA), Ancona, Fermo and Cosenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Corsonello
- Italian National Research Center On Aging (IRCCS INRCA), Ancona, Fermo and Cosenza, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Lattanzio
- Italian National Research Center On Aging (IRCCS INRCA), Ancona, Fermo and Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rada Artzi-Medvedik
- Department of Nursing, Recanati School for Community Health Professions at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,Maccabi Health Services, Israel; and Department of Nursing, Recanati School for Community Health Professions at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Robert Kob
- Department of Internal Medicine-Geriatrics, Institute for Biomedicine of Aging (IBA), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Itshak Melzer
- Department of Physical Therapy, Recanati School for Community Health Professions at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | | | - Sabine Britting
- Department of Internal Medicine-Geriatrics, Institute for Biomedicine of Aging (IBA), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ge L, Su TT, An Y, Mejía ST. The effectiveness of exergames on fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:1306-1317. [PMID: 34291684 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1950615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesFear of falling is common among older adults and can increase fall-risk through premature activity restriction. Exergames, an emerging tool in fall prevention, combine exercise with interactive and adaptive game elements. This review examines the extent to which exergame interventions reduce fear of falling among community-dwelling older adults. Method: Guided by the PRISMA methodology, we reviewed peer-reviewed studies that were published in English between 2006 and 2019 and employed a comparative design to test the effect of exergames on fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults. Two reviewers screened the literature and extracted data on the exergame platform, participants, study design, and results. A modified PEDro scale was used to assess study quality. Disagreements were resolved through discussion with the third reviewer. Results: Our literature search resulted in 23 eligible studies on exergame interventions where fear of falling was the primary or secondary outcome. Most interventions (35%) occurred within hospitals and were delivered via a Wii-based system (61%). Fear of falling was most commonly measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale, the Activities-specific Balance Scale and their modified versions. A total of 15 of the 23 studies reported statistically significant changes in fear of falling. Quality assessment showed 10 studies to be rated as 'good.' Conclusion: This review showed that exergame may have a positive effect in reducing fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults. The finding provides a direction for clinical practice in the research area of intervention on fear of falling in older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lanying Ge
- School of Physical Education and Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Tai-Te Su
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Yu An
- College of P.E and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shannon T Mejía
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rico CLV, Curcio CL. Fear of Falling and Environmental Factors: A Scoping Review. Ann Geriatr Med Res 2022; 26:83-93. [PMID: 35673944 PMCID: PMC9271395 DOI: 10.4235/agmr.22.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Fear of falling is a geriatric condition that must be understood from both a clinical perspective and from the environment in which older adults live. This review aimed to describe the scientific evidence reported in the last 5 years regarding the fear of falling in older adults and its relationship with environmental factors. The relationships between fear of falling and environmental factors are mainly evidenced in the built environment. Older adults with a fear of falling are described as perceiving the built environment as dangerous when they do not meet the requirements of safety, accessibility, and comfort; they also report the importance of living in communities with controlled crime levels and available social support for older adults to improve their insecurity and feelings of vulnerability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Liliana Valencia Rico
- Nursing Program, Catholic University of Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Caldas, Caldas, Colombia
- Corresponding Author Claudia Liliana Valencia Rico, RN, MSc Nursing Program, Catholic University of Manizales, Carrera 23 No. 60-63, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia E-mail:
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Falk J, Strandkvist V, Pauelsen M, Vikman I, Nyberg L, Röijezon U. Increased co-contraction reaction during a surface perturbation is associated with unsuccessful postural control among older adults. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:438. [PMID: 35585517 PMCID: PMC9118814 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03123-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a strategy to maintain postural control, the stiffening strategy (agonist-antagonist co-contractions) is often considered dysfunctional and associated with poor physical capacity. The aim was to investigate whether increased stiffening is associated with unsuccessful postural control during an unpredictable surface perturbation, and which sensory and motor variables that explain postural stiffening. Methods A sample of 34 older adults, 75.8 ± 3.8 years, was subjected to an unpredicted surface perturbation with the postural task to keep a feet-in-place strategy. The participants also completed a thorough sensory- and motor test protocol. During the surface perturbation, electromyography was measured from tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius to further calculate a co-contraction index during the feed-forward and feedback period. A binary logistic regression was done with the nominal variable, if the participant succeeded in the postural task or not, set as dependent variable and the co-contraction indexes set as independent variables. Further, the variables from the sensory and motor testing were set as independent variables in two separate Orthogonal Projections of Latent Structures (OPLS)-models, one with the feed-forward- and the other with the feedback co-contraction index as dependent variable. Results Higher levels of ankle joint stiffening during the feedback, but not the feed-forward period was associated with postural task failure. Feedback stiffening was explained by having slow non-postural reaction times, poor leg muscle strength and being female whereas feed-forward stiffening was not explained by sensory and motor variables. Conclusions When subjected to an unpredicted surface perturbation, individuals with higher feedback stiffening had poorer postural control outcome, which was explained by poorer physical capacity. The level of feed-forward stiffening prior the perturbation was not associated with postural control outcome nor the investigated sensory and motor variables. The intricate causal relationships between physical capacity, stiffening and postural task success remains subject for future research. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03123-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Falk
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Viktor Strandkvist
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Mascha Pauelsen
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Irene Vikman
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Lars Nyberg
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Ulrik Röijezon
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ferris J, Barone VJ, Perkins NC, Sienko KH. A Pilot Study Comparing the Effects of Concurrent and Terminal Visual Feedback on Standing Balance in Older Adults. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22082826. [PMID: 35458811 PMCID: PMC9033013 DOI: 10.3390/s22082826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
While balance training with concurrent feedback has been shown to improve real-time balance in older adults, terminal feedback may simplify implementation outside of clinical settings. Similarly, visual feedback is particularly well-suited for use outside the clinic as it is relatively easily understood and accessible via ubiquitous mobile devices (e.g., smartphones) with little additional peripheral equipment. However, differences in the effects of concurrent and terminal visual feedback are not yet well understood. We therefore performed a pilot study that directly compared the immediate effects of concurrent and terminal visual feedback as a first and necessary step in the future design of visual feedback technologies for balance training outside of clinical settings. Nineteen healthy older adults participated in a single balance training session during which they performed 38 trials of a single balance exercise including trials with concurrent, terminal or no visual feedback. Analysis of trunk angular position and velocity features recorded via an inertial measurement unit indicated that sway angles decreased with training regardless of feedback type, but sway velocity increased with concurrent feedback and decreased with terminal feedback. After removing feedback, training with either feedback type yielded decreased mean velocity, but only terminal feedback yielded decreased sway angles. Consequently, this study suggests that, for older adults, terminal visual feedback may be a viable alternative to concurrent visual feedback for short duration single-task balance training. Terminal feedback provided using ubiquitous devices should be further explored for balance training outside of clinical settings.
Collapse
|
22
|
Brodowski H, Strutz N, Mueller-Werdan U, Kiselev J. Categorizing fear of falling using the survey of activities and fear of falling in the elderly questionnaire in a cohort of hospitalized older adults: A cross-sectional design. Int J Nurs Stud 2021; 126:104152. [PMID: 34923318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.104152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear of falling is commonly assessed using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale which is an instrument to measure balance confidence, based on the assumption that fear of falling is due to the absence of balance confidence. The "Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly" measures the concept of fear of falling more directly on a scale of 0.0 and 3.0 points. However, there are no valid cut-off points that might help practitioners to interpret "Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly" scores. The aim of this study was to identify such cut-off points and distinguish between low, moderate and high fear of falling, in relation to balance confidence. METHOD In this cross-sectional study different cut-off point schemes for classifying fear of falling scores as low, moderate or high were compared with F-values in ANOVA using the cut-off point scheme as an independent variable and the balance confidence scores as a dependent variable. The analysis was performed using data from a cohort of 98 hospitalized older adults. RESULTS Using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale as a reference tool, values of 0.6 and 1.4 were identified as optimal cut-off points for low, moderate and high fear of falling. CONCLUSIONS This study was the first to systematically classify fear of falling using the "Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly". This classification can assist health practitioners to interpret fear of falling score and guide clinical decision making. Registration: The study is registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00010773, date of registration 2016/05/07, date of recruitment 2016/11/07).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Brodowski
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany; Geriatrics Research Group, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Nicole Strutz
- Geriatrics Research Group, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ursula Mueller-Werdan
- Geriatrics Research Group, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joern Kiselev
- Geriatrics Research Group, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Campus Charité Mitte, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhang Y, Zhang L, Zhang X, Sun J, Wang D, Chen G. Fall Injuries and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults and the Mediating Effects of Social Participation - China, 2011-2018. China CDC Wkly 2021; 3:837-841. [PMID: 34659864 PMCID: PMC8500800 DOI: 10.46234/ccdcw2021.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
What is already known on this topic? Prior studies found that fall events were associated with a higher level of depressive symptoms and a lower level of social functioning and social participation. In addition, social participation has also been significantly associated with better conditions of depressive symptoms. What is added by this report? This article implemented the literature in three ways. First, it examined the mechanisms of social participation in the association between fall injuries and depressive symptoms among older adults in China. Second, it specified the fall-injured older adults group from those who merely experienced fall events. Third, it compared the results between rural and urban China and discussed policy implications for both groups. What are the implications for public health practice? Based on the findings of this study, future policies could consider boosting social participation at both the household and community level while taking into account the challenges of mobilities and social capabilities after fall injuries. Meanwhile, it is essential to accelerate the construction of aging-friendly communities to improve the accessibility of social participation and broaden social services to health management and monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yalu Zhang
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhui Zhang
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Sun
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongmin Wang
- Department of Physical Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Scronce G, Zhang W, Smith ML, McCulloch KL, Mercer VS. Effectiveness of a Novel Implementation of the Otago Exercise Program in Rural Appalachia. J Geriatr Phys Ther 2021; 44:198-209. [PMID: 33534332 DOI: 10.1519/jpt.0000000000000283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Despite evidence that falls can be prevented with specific exercise interventions such as the Otago Exercise Program (OEP), translation of these programs into practice is limited in rural and medically underserved areas. The Community Health and Mobility Partnership (CHAMP) addresses this problem through a community-based implementation of the OEP in rural Appalachia where medical resources are scarce. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the CHAMP on physical performance and balance confidence in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS This study was a retrospective analysis of quasi-longitudinal data. Older adults received fall screenings at local senior centers. Those with increased fall risk received individualized OEP home exercises and were advised to return for monthly follow-up visits. Three physical performance measures-Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Four-Stage Balance Test (4SBT), and chair rise test (CRT)-and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC) were assessed at the initial visit (IV) and each follow-up visit. Two groups were created to distinguish participants who returned for their second follow-up (F2) visit within 3 months from those who returned between 3 and 6 months. Within-group change from IV to F2 was calculated using repeated-measures t tests. Repeated-measures 2-way analyses of variance were used to test for main and interaction effects of group and visit. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION One hundred thirty CHAMP participants aged 76.1 (SD = 8.1) years demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvements in the 3 physical performance measures (mean 4SBT: IV 29.5 seconds, F2 31.5 second, P = .001), (mean TUG: IV 12.7 seconds, F2 11.9 seconds, P = .021), (mean CRT: IV 0.258 stands/second, F2 0.290 stands/second, P = .002), but not in balance confidence (mean ABC: IV 62.2, F2 64.4, P = .154). A significant interaction of group by visit for the TUG was observed, suggesting that better TUG performance was associated with quicker return for follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Results indicated that program participants improved from IV to F2 in measures related to fall risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Scronce
- Curriculum in Human Movement Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| | - Wanqing Zhang
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| | - Matthew Lee Smith
- Center for Population Health and Aging, Texas A&M University, College Station
| | - Karen Leigh McCulloch
- Division of Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| | - Vicki Stemmons Mercer
- Division of Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lenouvel E, Novak L, Biedermann A, Kressig RW, Klöppel S. Preventive treatment options for fear of falling within the Swiss healthcare system : A position paper. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2021; 55:597-602. [PMID: 34590162 PMCID: PMC9587118 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-021-01957-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Fear of falling (FoF) results in social, functional, physical, and psychological symptoms, including secondary disorders, such as depression and general anxiety disorder (GAD). A vicious cycle develops, where symptoms maintain and reinforce FoF and its consequences, including increasing the risk of falling. In this position paper, we suggest screening for FoF using the falls efficacy scale international (FES-I) questionnaire. The presence of a high score (> 23) warrants an investigation into frailty and exclusion of depression and GAD, during the clinical interview. Stratifying frailty, based on the Fried frailty criteria will guide treatment options based on the most significant health concerns. Frail older adults should first receive physiotherapy and exercise interventions, as physical disabilities are their most significant characteristic, while pre-frail and non-frail older adults should receive multicomponent interventions, consisting of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with physical exercise. The non-frail with predominantly GAD and depression should receive specialized CBT interventions. Currently, only exercise interventions are available for FoF treatment in Switzerland. Although some exercise interventions use CBT elements, such as goal setting and reflections on behavior and feelings, they are not systematically used, are not part of a quality-assured procedure, and do not address the psychological-cognitive aspects of FoF. As the pre-frail and non-frail are the largest groups to use these services, adapting current exercise programs by incorporating a CBT component would be the most practical means to provide optimized care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Lenouvel
- University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Murtenstraße 21, 3008, Bern, Switzerland. .,Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Lan Novak
- University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Murtenstraße 21, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Reto W Kressig
- University Department of Geriatric Medicine FELIX PLATTER & University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Klöppel
- University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Murtenstraße 21, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Soh SLH, Tan CW, Thomas JI, Tan G, Xu T, Ng YL, Lane J. Falls efficacy: Extending the understanding of self-efficacy in older adults towards managing falls. J Frailty Sarcopenia Falls 2021; 6:131-138. [PMID: 34557612 PMCID: PMC8419849 DOI: 10.22540/jfsf-06-131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Falls efficacy is a widely studied construct. The understanding of falls efficacy has evolved over time. Falls efficacy was initially perceived to be suitably used as a measure of fear of falling. However, further research suggested that falls efficacy and fear of falling are distinct constructs, and therefore, would be inappropriate to be used as a proxy. Instead, some researchers posited that falls efficacy is synonymous with balance confidence. Falls efficacy has been conventionally understood as the perceived ability of individuals to perform activities without losing balance or falling. A recently conducted systematic review by the authors on existing falls efficacy related measures had revealed a fresh perspective of recognising falls efficacy as a perceived ability to manage a threat of a fall. Falls efficacy, with a broadened interpreted construct, relates to the individual’s perceived self-efficacy of performing necessary actions needed in different scenarios, including pre-fall, near-fall, fall-landing and completed fall. The conventional interpretation of falls efficacy needs a rethinking of perspective. An extended understanding of falls efficacy would provide an integral approach towards improving the agency of individual to deal with falls and would enhance person-centred care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Leng-Hsien Soh
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore.,Dietetics, Nutrition & Biological Sciences, Physiotherapy, Podiatry & Radiography Division, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Chee-Wee Tan
- Department of Physiotherapy and Paramedicine, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Janet I Thomas
- Dietetics, Nutrition & Biological Sciences, Physiotherapy, Podiatry & Radiography Division, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Gideon Tan
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, School of Sports, Health and Leisure, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
| | - Tianma Xu
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore
| | - Yoke Leng Ng
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore.,Curtin School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Judith Lane
- Dietetics, Nutrition & Biological Sciences, Physiotherapy, Podiatry & Radiography Division, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Möller U O, Fänge A M, J K, D S, F F, Hansson E E. Modern technology against falls - A description of the MoTFall project. Health Informatics J 2021; 27:14604582211011514. [PMID: 34006139 DOI: 10.1177/14604582211011514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
To meet future challenges from an older and physically less active population innovative solutions are needed. Modern Technology against Falls (MoTFall) aims to prevent falls, increase physical activity and improve self-rated health among older people by means of an information and communication technology based system. The project has developed technology-based solutions, focusing on person-centred care. A participatory research design was applied in the development of a mobile application, a wearable inertial movement measurement unit (IMMU), called the Snubblometer ('snubbla' is 'stumble' in Swedish) and a web-based education programme for health care professionals. The mobile application includes a fall risk index, exercises and information related to falls prevention. By linking the app to the IMMU, person-centred interventions can be developed and implemented in various health care settings and with different target populations. The IMMU has shown good validity and reliability for measuring postural sway and high sensitivity and specificity for measuring a near fall. The education programme is directed at non-graduate health care professionals in nursing homes and home care. The technical solutions have potential for use in research and in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Smedberg D
- Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Sweden
| | - Falkvall F
- Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), Security and Transport/Measurement Technology, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hentschke C, Halle M, Geilhof B, Landendoerfer P, Blank W, Sieber CC, Siegrist M, Freiberger E. 24-Months Cluster-Randomized Intervention Trial of a Targeted Fall Prevention Program in a Primary Care Setting. J Gen Intern Med 2021:10.1007/s11606-021-06944-w. [PMID: 34240282 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-06944-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls and fall-related injuries are common in community-dwelling older persons. Longitudinal data on effective fall prevention programs are rare. OBJECTIVE Therefore, we evaluated a 4-months multi-component exercise fall prevention program in a primary care setting on long-term effects over 24 months on falls and concomitant injuries in older community-dwelling persons with high risk of falling. DESIGN AND SETTING In the Prevention of Falls (PreFalls) study, forty general practitioners in Germany were cluster-randomized (1:1) into an intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). Three hundred seventy-eight independently living people with high risk of falling (78.1 ± 5.9 years, 75% women) were assigned to IG (n = 222) or CG (n = 156). INTERVENTION AND MEASUREMENTS Patients in IG took part in a 4-months multi-component exercise program comprising strength and balance exercises (28 sessions); patients in CG received no intervention. Primary outcome measure was number of falls over 24 months, analyzed by a patient-level, linear mixed Poisson model. Secondary endpoints were number of fall-related injuries, changes in physical function, fear of falling, and mortality. RESULTS After 24 months, the IG demonstrated significantly fewer falls (IRR = 0.63, p = 0.021), injurious falls (IRR = 0.69, p = 0.034), and less fear of falling (p = 0.005). The mortality rate was 5.0% in IG and 10.3% in CG (HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.24 to 1.12; p = 0.094). CONCLUSIONS In older community-dwelling persons with high risk of falling, a short-term multi-component exercise intervention reduced falls and injurious falls, as well as fear of falling over 24 months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hentschke
- Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Kobergerstr. 60, 90408, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Martin Halle
- Department of Prevention and Sports Medicine, University Hospital 'rechts der Isar', Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Geilhof
- Department of Prevention and Sports Medicine, University Hospital 'rechts der Isar', Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Landendoerfer
- Institute of General Practice, University Hospital 'rechts der Isar', Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Blank
- Institute for General Practitioner, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Cornel Christian Sieber
- Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Kobergerstr. 60, 90408, Nuremberg, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Kantonsspital Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Monika Siegrist
- Department of Prevention and Sports Medicine, University Hospital 'rechts der Isar', Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ellen Freiberger
- Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Kobergerstr. 60, 90408, Nuremberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Chen WC, Li YT, Tung TH, Chen C, Tsai CY. The relationship between falling and fear of falling among community-dwelling elderly. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26492. [PMID: 34190176 PMCID: PMC8257838 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Researchers have repeatedly examined the relationship between a previous experience of a fall and subsequent fear of falling (FOF); however, few studies have investigated the effects of falling along various timelines among older adults. The objective of this study was to determine whether experiencing a fall in the previous month or the previous year led to FOF among the elderly.The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) in the U.S. collected information indicative of basic trends in the behavior of individuals aged 65 years and older. In the current study, we applied multiple logistic regression analysis of results from round 7 of the NHATS with the aim of identifying the risk factors associated with FOF among 5559 participants aged 65 years or older.FOF was reported by 48.8% of those who experienced a fall in the previous year and 46.8% experienced a fall in the previous month. The results of regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for sex, age, related chronic disease, activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living, FOF was significantly associated with experiencing a fall during the previous month (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.78-2.95) or during the previous year (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 2.16-3.14).Our results indicate that experiences of falling during the previous month or the previous year were both significantly associated with a fear of falling, and caregivers should keep this in mind when dealing with community-living elderly individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Cheng Chen
- Taiwan Stipendiary Co., Ltd., Kaohsiung
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, National Taiwan University
| | - Yang-Tzu Li
- Department of Long Term Care, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Science
| | - Tao-Hsin Tung
- Taiwan Association of Health Industry Management and Development, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chieh Chen
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien
| | - Ching-Yao Tsai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei City Hospital
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University
- MS Program in Transdisciplinary Long Term Care and Bachelor's Program in Business Management, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Falls are a common presenting complaint, particularly in older patients, and are associated with significant morbidity. Inpatient falls also have financial implications for healthcare systems, including litigation costs. This article provides an approach to assessing a patient presenting with a fall, encompassing the cause and consequence of the event. It also highlights the need to consider both the acute and chronic factors that predispose a particular patient to fall. Chronic factors such as frailty, sarcopenia, cognitive impairment, and continence issues are often under-recognised and, as a result, not managed optimally. A comprehensive geriatric assessment is an ideal structure to identify modifiable risks. Practical interventions that can be of benefit to minimise a patient's risk of falling include a medication review, assessment of their mobility and their environment. In addition, continence review and visual assessment may be appropriate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna N Barnard
- Department of Ageing and Health, Guy's and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Daniel S Furmedge
- Department of Ageing and Health, Guy's and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Soh SLH, Lane J, Gleeson N, Xu T, Bte Abdul Rahman F, Yeh TT, Soon B, Tan CW. Validation of a new patient-reported outcome measure of balance recovery confidence (BRC) for community-dwelling older adults: a study protocol. PHYSICAL THERAPY REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/10833196.2021.1938867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Leng-Hsien Soh
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore, Singapore
- Dietetics, Nutrition & Biological Sciences, Physiotherapy, Podiatry & Radiography Division, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, UK
| | - Judith Lane
- Dietetics, Nutrition & Biological Sciences, Physiotherapy, Podiatry & Radiography Division, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, UK
| | - Nigel Gleeson
- Dietetics, Nutrition & Biological Sciences, Physiotherapy, Podiatry & Radiography Division, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, UK
| | - Tianma Xu
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Ting-Ting Yeh
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Soon
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chee-Wee Tan
- Department of Physiotherapy and Paramedicine, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yi SW, Kim YM, Won YJ, Kim SK, Kim SH. Association between body mass index and the risk of falls: a nationwide population-based study. Osteoporos Int 2021; 32:1071-1078. [PMID: 33411009 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-020-05725-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The association of BMI with falls differed between men and women in Korea. Obesity was associated with a greater risk of falls in women, whereas underweight seemed to increase the risk of falls compared with normal weight in men. PURPOSE This study examined the sex-specific association between body mass index (BMI) and falls in Korean adults using data from a large population-based survey. METHODS We analyzed 113,805 men and women (age ≥ 50 years) who participated in the Korean Community Health Survey in 2013. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between BMI and falls. RESULTS The mean (± standard deviation) age and BMI of all participants were 63.8 ± 9.6 years and 23.2 ± 2.9 kg/m2, respectively. Among the 113,805 subjects, 19.1% and 6.7% had histories of falls and recurrent falls, respectively. The association of BMI with recurrent falls differed between men and women. The multivariable-adjusted odd ratios (ORs) for recurrent falls were 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-1.12), 1.23 (1.14-1.32), and 1.51 (1.26-1.81) in women with BMIs of < 18.5, 25-29.9, and ≥ 30 kg/m2, respectively, relative to those with BMIs of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2. The corresponding ORs for men were 1.20 (95% CI 1.01-1.42), 1.05 (0.96-1.14), and 0.97 (0.69-1.38), respectively. Older age and low economic level were associated independently with higher ORs of recurrent falls in men and women, respectively. In addition, comorbidities, including diabetes, stroke, arthritis, osteoporosis, and asthma, correlated significantly with an increased risk of recurrent falls (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Obesity was associated with a greater risk of recurrent falls in women, whereas underweight seemed to be associated with a greater risk of falls in men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S-W Yi
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Gangneung, South Korea
| | - Y M Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Simgokro 100Gil 25, Seo-gu, Incheon, 22711, South Korea
| | - Y J Won
- Department of Internal Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Simgokro 100Gil 25, Seo-gu, Incheon, 22711, South Korea
| | - S K Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cha University College of Medicine, Yatapro 59, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
| | - S H Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Simgokro 100Gil 25, Seo-gu, Incheon, 22711, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Soh SLH, Lane J, Xu T, Gleeson N, Tan CW. Falls efficacy instruments for community-dwelling older adults: a COSMIN-based systematic review. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:21. [PMID: 33413136 PMCID: PMC7792090 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01960-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Falls efficacy is a widely-studied latent construct in community-dwelling older adults. Various self-reported instruments have been used to measure falls efficacy. In order to be informed of the choice of the best measurement instrument for a specific purpose, empirical evidence of the development and measurement properties of falls efficacy related instruments is needed. Methods The Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Intruments (COSMIN) checklist was used to summarise evidence on the development, content validity, and structural validity of instruments measuring falls efficacy in community-dwelling older adults. Databases including MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, CINAHL were searched (May 2019). Records on the development of instruments and studies assessing content validity or structural validity of falls efficacy related scales were included. COSMIN methodology was used to guide the review of eligible studies and in the assessment of their methodological quality. Evidence of content validity: relevance, comprehensiveness and comprehensibility and unidimensionality for structural validity were synthesised. A modified GRADE approach was applied to evidence synthesis. Results Thirty-five studies, of which 18 instruments had been identified, were included in the review. High-quality evidence showed that the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (FES)-13 items (MFES-13) has sufficient relevance, yet insufficient comprehensiveness for measuring falls efficacy. Moderate quality evidence supported that the FES-10 has sufficient relevance, and MFES-14 has sufficient comprehensibility. Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale–Simplified (ABC-15) has sufficient relevance in measuring balance confidence supported by moderate-quality evidence. Low to very low-quality evidence underpinned the content validity of other instruments. High-quality evidence supported sufficient unidimensionality for eight instruments (FES-10, MFES-14, ABC-6, ABC-15, ABC-16, Iconographical FES (Icon-FES), FES–International (FES-I) and Perceived Ability to Prevent and Manage Fall Risks (PAPMFR)). Conclusion Content validity of instruments to measure falls efficacy is understudied. Structural validity is sufficient for a number of widely-used instruments. Measuring balance confidence is a subset of falls efficacy. Further work is needed to investigate a broader construct for falls efficacy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-020-01960-7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Leng-Hsien Soh
- Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore, Singapore. .,Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, UK.
| | | | - Tianma Xu
- Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Steckhan GMA, Fleig L, Schwarzer R, Warner LM. Perceived Physical Functioning and Gait Speed as Mediators in the Association Between Fear of Falling and Quality of Life in Old Age. J Appl Gerontol 2020; 41:421-429. [PMID: 33305984 DOI: 10.1177/0733464820979188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preserving Quality of Life (QoL) in old age gains in importance, but Fear of Falling (FoF) considerably limits QoL. The aim of our study was to understand how physical mediators may translate FoF to QoL. At Time 1, FoF, subjective leg strength, balance, QoL, and objective gait speed were assessed. QoL was reassessed after 6 months, at Time 2 (n = 125). A sequential mediation analysis examined whether the relationship between FoF and QoL could be mediated by leg strength, balance, and gait speed. FoF was directly associated with QoL (β = -.27; 95% CI [-0.007, -0.001]) as well as indirectly via leg strength, balance, and gait speed (specific sequential indirect effect: β = -.03; 95% CI [-0.06, -0.001]; R2 = .40 in QoL; controlled for age, QoL at Time 1). An intervention approach could be to address FoF and foster physical functioning and gait speed to maintain QoL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ralf Schwarzer
- Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.,SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gottschalk S, König HH, Schwenk M, Jansen CP, Nerz C, Becker C, Klenk J, Dams J. Mediating factors on the association between fear of falling and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling German older people: a cross-sectional study. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:401. [PMID: 33054728 PMCID: PMC7556961 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01802-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous research has shown that not only falls, but also fear of falling (FoF) influences health-related quality of life (HrQoL) negatively. The EQ-5D (consisting of an index and a visual analogue scale [EQ-VAS]) is a frequently used instrument to determine HrQoL in clinical studies and economic evaluations, but no previous study compared the association between FoF and the EQ-5D index with the association between FoF and the EQ-VAS. Moreover, factors that influence the association between FoF and HrQoL are rarely examined. Thus, this study aimed to examine the association between FoF and HrQoL and to examine factors that mediate the association. Methods FoF (Short Falls Efficacy Scale International) and HrQoL (EQ-5D descriptive system, EQ-5D index, and EQ-VAS) were assessed in a sample of community-dwelling older persons (≥70 years) participating in the baseline assessment of a randomized controlled trial (N = 309). Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting for sociodemographic variables, frequency of falls, number of chronic conditions, functional mobility (Timed up-and-go test), and subjective functional capacity (LLFDI function and disability scales). Multiple regression models were used to test the mediating effects. Results Moderate or high FoF was prevalent in 66% of the sample. After adjusting for covariates, FoF was negatively associated with the EQ-5D index, but not with the descriptive system or the EQ-VAS. Subjective functional capacity partly mediated the association between FoF and the EQ-5D index and completely mediated the association between FoF and the EQ-VAS. Conclusion FoF was negatively associated with the EQ-5D index. As subjective functional capacity mediated the association between FoF and HrQoL, future interventions should account for subjective functional capacity in their design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Gottschalk
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schwenk
- Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Corinna Nerz
- Department of Clinical Gerontology and Geriatric Rehabilitation, Robert Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Clemens Becker
- Department of Clinical Gerontology and Geriatric Rehabilitation, Robert Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jochen Klenk
- Department of Clinical Gerontology and Geriatric Rehabilitation, Robert Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany.,Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,IB University of Applied Health and Social Sciences, Study Centre Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Judith Dams
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hauer K, Schwenk M, Englert S, Zijlstra R, Tuerner S, Dutzi I. Mismatch of Subjective and Objective Risk of Falling in Patients with Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 78:557-572. [PMID: 33016908 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Match or mismatch of objective physiological and subjectively perceived fall risk may have serious consequences in patients with dementia (PwD) while research is lacking. OBJECTIVE To analyze mismatch of objective and subjective fall risk and associated factors in PwD. METHOD Cohort study in a geriatric rehabilitation center. Objective and subjective risk of falling were operationalized by Tinetti's Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment and the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Four sub-groups according to objective and subjective fall risk were classified. Subgroups were compared for differences in clinical, cognitive, psychological, and behavioral variables. RESULTS In geriatric rehab patients with mild to moderate dementia (n = 173), two-thirds showed a mismatch of subjective versus objective risk of falling, independently associated with previous falls. Underestimation of objective fall risk (37.6%) was determined by lower activity avoidance (OR 0.39), less concerns about falling due to previous falls (OR 0.25), and higher quality of life (OR 1.10), while overestimation (28.9%) was determined by higher rate of support seeking strategies (OR 50.3), activity avoidance (OR 15.2), better executive (OR 21.0) and memory functions (OR 21.5), and lower quality of life (OR.75) in multivariate logistic regression. CONCLUSION The majority of patients showed a mismatch between objective and subjective falls risk. Underestimation as well as overestimation of fall risk was associated with specific profiles based on cognitive- and psychological status, falls and fall-related behavioral consequences which should be included in the comprehensive assessment of fall risk, and planning of individualized fall prevention programs for this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Hauer
- AGAPLESION Bethanien Hospital / Geriatric Centre at the University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Schwenk
- AGAPLESION Bethanien Hospital / Geriatric Centre at the University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Englert
- Institute of Medical Biometry und Informatics; Department of Medical Biometry at the University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rixt Zijlstra
- Maastricht University, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sabine Tuerner
- AGAPLESION Bethanien Hospital / Geriatric Centre at the University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilona Dutzi
- AGAPLESION Bethanien Hospital / Geriatric Centre at the University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Fábrega-Cuadros R, Aibar-Almazán A, Martínez-Amat A, Hita-Contreras F. Impact of Psychological Distress and Sleep Quality on Balance Confidence, Muscle Strength, and Functional Balance in Community-Dwelling Middle-Aged and Older People. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9093059. [PMID: 32971955 PMCID: PMC7564966 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9093059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective was to evaluate the associations of psychological distress and sleep quality with balance confidence, muscle strength, and functional balance among community-dwelling middle-aged and older people. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted (n = 304). Balance confidence (Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, ABC), muscle strength (hand grip dynamometer), and functional balance (Timed Up-and-Go test) were assessed. Psychological distress and sleep quality were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. Age, sex, physical activity level, nutritional status, and fatigue were included as possible confounders. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were performed. Higher values of anxiety (OR = 1.10), fatigue (OR = 1.04), and older age (OR = 1.08) were associated with an increased risk of falling (ABC < 67%). Greater muscle strength was associated with male sex and improved nutritional status (adjusted R2 = 0.39). On the other hand, being older and using sleeping medication were linked to poorer functional balance (adjusted R2 = 0.115). In conclusion, greater anxiety levels and the use of sleep medication were linked to a high risk of falling and poorer functional balance, respectively. No associations were found between muscle strength and sleep quality, anxiety, or depression.
Collapse
|
38
|
Freiberger E, Sieber CC, Kob R. Mobility in Older Community-Dwelling Persons: A Narrative Review. Front Physiol 2020; 11:881. [PMID: 33041836 PMCID: PMC7522521 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the demographic changes and the increasing awareness of the role of physical function, mobility in older age is becoming an important topic. Mobility limitations have been reported as increasingly prevalent in older persons affecting about 35% of persons aged 70 and the majority of persons over 85 years. Mobility limitations have been associated with increased fall risk, hospitalization, a decreased quality of life, and even mortality. As concepts of mobility are multifactorial and complex, in this narrative review, definitions, physical factors, and their age-related changes associated with mobility will be presented. Also, areas of cognitive decline and their impact on mobility, as well as neuromuscular factors related to mobility will be addressed. Another section will relate psychological factors such as Fall-related psychological concerns and sedentary behavior to mobility. Assessment of mobility as well as effective exercise interventions are only shortly addressed. In the last part, gaps and future work on mobility in older persons are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Freiberger
- Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Cornel Christian Sieber
- Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Robert Kob
- Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nürnberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Peeters G, Bennett M, Donoghue OA, Kennelly S, Kenny RA. Understanding the aetiology of fear of falling from the perspective of a fear-avoidance model – A narrative review. Clin Psychol Rev 2020; 79:101862. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
40
|
Hartley P, DeWitt AL, Forsyth F, Romero-Ortuno R, Deaton C. Predictors of physical activity in older adults early in an emergency hospital admission: a prospective cohort study. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:177. [PMID: 32423418 PMCID: PMC7236296 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01562-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduced mobility may be responsible for functional decline and acute sarcopenia in older hospitalised patients. The drivers of reduced in-hospital mobility are poorly understood, especially during the early phase of acute hospitalisation. We investigated predictors of in-hospital activity during a 24-h period in the first 48 h of hospital admission in older adults. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of a prospective repeated measures cohort study. Participants aged 75 years or older were recruited within the first 24 h of admission. At recruitment, patients underwent a baseline assessment including measurements of pre-morbid functional mobility, cognition, frailty, falls efficacy, co-morbidity, acute illness severity, knee extension strength and grip strength, and consented to wear accelerometers to measure physical activity during the first 7 days (or until discharge if earlier). In-hospital physical activity was defined as the amount of upright time (standing or walking). To examine the predictors of physical activity, we limited the analysis to the first 24 h of recording to maximise the sample size as due to discharge from hospital there was daily attrition. We used a best subset analysis including all baseline measures. The optimal model was defined by having the lowest Bayesian information criterion in the best-subset analyses. The model specified a maximum of 5 covariates and used an exhaustive search. RESULTS Seventy participants were recruited but eight were excluded from the final analysis due to lack of accelerometer data within the first 24 h after recruitment. Patients spent a median of 0.50 h (IQR: 0.21; 1.43) standing or walking. The optimal model selected the following covariates: functional mobility as measured by the de Morton Mobility Index and two measures of illness severity, the National Early Warning Score, and serum C-reactive protein. CONCLUSIONS Physical activity, particularly in the acute phase of hospitalisation, is very low in older adults. The association between illness severity and physical activity may be explained by symptoms of acute illness being barriers to activity. Interdisciplinary approaches are required to identify early mobilisation opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hartley
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Physiotherapy, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
- Forvie Site, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0SR, UK.
| | - Amanda L DeWitt
- Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Faye Forsyth
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Roman Romero-Ortuno
- Discipline of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christi Deaton
- Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Predictors of Incident Fear of Falling in Community-Dwelling Older Adults. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 21:615-620. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
42
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Late-life depression, falls, and fall worry are public health problems. While previous research confirms the cross-sectional relationship between depression and fall worry, few longitudinal studies have examined whether changes in fall worry are associated with changes in depressive illness and vice versa. This study examined longitudinal relationships between probable major depression (PMD) and activity-limiting fall worry (ALW). DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, MEASUREMENTS This longitudinal panel observational study used data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) waves 5 (referred to as T1 in this study) and 6 (T2), conducted in 2015 and 2016, respectively (N = 6,299, aged 65 and older). We examined associations of new and continued ALW between T1 and T2 with T2 PMD, controlling for T1 PMD; and associations of new and continued PMD between T1 and T2 with T2 ALW, controlling for T1 ALW. We used χ2 and t tests for descriptive statistics and logistic regression for multivariable analysis. RESULTS Those with new ALW at T2 had significantly greater odds of T2 PMD compared to those without ALW at both time points (AOR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.98-3.51), and those with new PMD at T2 had significantly greater odds of T2 ALW (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.66-3.52). Those with continued PMD also had greater odds of T2 ALW compared to those without PMD at either time point (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.62-3.29). CONCLUSIONS The findings add to knowledge about bidirectional (mutually reinforcing) relationships between depression and activity-limiting fall worry. Innovative interventions are needed to reduce both late-life depression and activity-limiting fall worry.
Collapse
|
43
|
Gait disorders and depression: common occurrence, bidirectional relationship, and integrated intervention. Int Psychogeriatr 2020; 32:437-439. [PMID: 32295670 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610219000851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
44
|
Noh HM, Roh YK, Song HJ, Park YS. Severe Fear of Falling Is Associated With Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A 3-Year Prospective Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2019; 20:1540-1547. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
45
|
Ang SGM, O'Brien AP, Wilson A. Carers' concern for older people falling at home: an integrative review. Singapore Med J 2019; 61:272-280. [PMID: 31680184 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2019142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Falls, the leading cause of injury and death among older people, can have a significant psychosocial impact on carers. Carers play a crucial role in caring for older persons at home and in fall prevention. This review, which included 15 studies, aimed to identify carers' concern about older people falling and its impact. We identified that most carers had concerns about repeated falls in older people, unknown consequences of falls and care recipients' non-adherence to fall prevention advice. These concerns, in turn, affect carers' physical and psychological health, lifestyle, caregiving burden and use of fall prevention strategies. This paper highlights the importance of recognising carers' fall concern so as to identify carers' needs and awareness of fall prevention in older people living at home. Greater insight into carers' fall concern could facilitate the implementation of new strategies to manage older people's fall risk as well as improve carers' well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony Paul O'Brien
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Amanda Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Resnick B, Boltz M. Optimizing Function and Physical Activity in Hospitalized Older Adults to Prevent Functional Decline and Falls. Clin Geriatr Med 2019; 35:237-251. [PMID: 30929885 DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Physical activity, defined as bodily movement that expends energy including such things as bed mobility, transfers, bathing, dressing, and walking, has a positive impact on physical and psychosocial outcomes among older adults during their hospitalization and the post hospitalization recovery period. Despite benefits, physical activity is not the focus of care in the acute care setting. Further there are many barriers to engaging patients in physical activity and fall prevention activities including patient, family and provider beliefs, environmental challenges and limitations, hospital policies, and medical and nursing interventions. This paper provides an overview of falls and physical activity prevalence among acute care patients, challenges to engaging patients in physical activity and falls prevention activities and innovative approaches to increase physical activity and prevent falls among older hospitalized patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Resnick
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, 655 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Marie Boltz
- Pennsylvania State University, College of Nursing, 201 Nursing Sciences Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Choi NG, Bruce ML, DiNitto DM, Marti CN, Kunik ME. Fall Worry Restricts Social Engagement in Older Adults. J Aging Health 2019; 32:422-431. [PMID: 30698470 DOI: 10.1177/0898264319825586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between (a) activity-limiting fall worry (ALW) and (b) self-reported health-related restrictions and social engagement among older adults. Method: The National Health and Aging Trends Study Waves 5 (T1) and 6 (T2) provided data (n = 6,279). Binary and multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine association of T2 social engagement restrictions with T2 fall worry and association of T1-T2 changes in social engagement restrictions with T1-T2 changes in fall worry. Results: ALW was significantly associated with both informal and formal social engagement restriction at T2. Onset of ALW and continued ALW between T1 and T2 were also significantly associated with newly reported restrictions in both informal and formal social engagement at T2 even controlling for falls incidents and changes in health status and other covariates. Discussion: The findings underscore the importance of reducing fall worry and preventing social disengagement in late life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Martha L Bruce
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | | | - Mark E Kunik
- Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.,VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Exploring the Mediating Role of Social Support and Fall Efficacy on the Association Between Falls and Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Assisted-Living Population. J Aging Phys Act 2019. [PMID: 29543104 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2017-0378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Mobility restriction as a consequence of a fall is a major issue in assisted-living facilities. Although many factors are related to falling, little is known about the relationship between falls, social support, falls efficacy, and physical activity. The authors examined the relationship between falls and the Social Support Questionnaire, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, and physical activity simultaneously in 81 older adults (66-94 years) using structural equation modeling. The structural equation model revealed that being older was associated with lower falls efficacy and a higher number of falls, and higher falls efficacy was associated with a higher number of steps per day. The development of a structural equation model illustrating the mediating effects of social support and falls efficacy on the relationship between falls and physical activity can help health care professionals in predicting risk factors of falls that may be compromised by residing in an assisted-living facility.
Collapse
|
49
|
Ang SGM, O'Brien AP, Wilson A. Carers' concerns about their older persons (Carees) at risk of falling - a mixed-methods study protocol. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:819. [PMID: 30367651 PMCID: PMC6204035 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3632-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background When dependent older persons (carees) experience a fall at home, their carers worry that they will fall again. This ongoing concern affects the carers’ wellbeing, perception of burden and can potentially change care arrangements. Previous research has focused on carers of high fall risk older persons with stroke, dementia or Parkinson’s disease. However, little is known about the carers’ concerns for carees at risk of falling generally; and there is no validated instrument to measure this concern. This study aims to explore carers’ fall concern about carees at risk of falling and the development of an instrument to measure this concern. Methods This study utilises an exploratory sequential design in the development of an instrument to measure carers’ concerns. Phase One will explore carers’ fall concern using a descriptive qualitative approach. Phases Two and Three will involve expert review, pilot testing and field testing of the instrument. Twenty participants will be recruited by purposive sampling in phase one, and convenience sampling of 50 and 250 participants respectively, in Phases Two and Three. The participants will be recruited from research volunteer registers and local hospital outpatient clinics. Participants will be 18 years old and older and the main carer of an older person. Participants will be interviewed about their concerns about falls. Inductive content analysis will be used to analyse interviews and develop items for the instrument. The psychometric properties of the raw instrument will be tested using an online survey. This study has received ethics approval from the Hunter New England Human Health Research Ethics Committee. Discussion This study aims to provide greater depth of understanding about the psychological concerns and emotional burden related to carees’ falls for carers. Quantifying carers’ concerns will provide a context for interventions to assist and support carers and in the greater vigilance of monitoring the falling incidence of carees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seng Giap Marcus Ang
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
| | - Anthony Paul O'Brien
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Amanda Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Both psychological factors and physical performance are associated with fall-related concerns. Aging Clin Exp Res 2018; 30:1079-1085. [PMID: 29264814 PMCID: PMC6096850 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-017-0882-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fall-related concern strongly correlates to activity avoidance in older people. In this complex phenomenon, different terminology and instruments are often used interchangeably. Three main concepts make up fall-related concerns: fear of falling, consequence concern, and falls self-efficacy. It is suggested that fall-related concerns are mediated by psychological and physical factors. AIMS Our aims were to describe the prevalence of fall-related concerns and find explanatory factors for its most studied concept-falls self-efficacy-in an older population. METHODS We executed a cross-sectional study on a random sample of 153 community-dwelling older people (70 years or older). We used validated and reliable instruments as well as structured interviews to gather data on the three concepts of fall-related concerns and possible mediating factors. We then calculated descriptive statistics on prevalence and regression models for the total group, and men and women, separately. RESULTS 70% of the total sample (80% of women and 53% of men) reported at least one of the three concepts of fall-related concern. For the total sample, fear of falling, morale, and physical performance were associated factors with falls self-efficacy. For women, the number of prescription medications was added. For men, physical performance and concerns for injury were associated. CONCLUSION Fall-related concern is prevalent in large proportions with higher prevalence for women than for men. Important factors are fear of falling, morale, and physical performance. Gender differences in the emergence and variance of fall-related concern and the relation between physical performance and fall-related concern should be targeted in future research endeavors.
Collapse
|