Comparison of physical abilities in elderly with and without fear of fall

Abstract

Fear of falling (FOF) in the elderly affects the psyche. They are not confident of their daily activities and movements that limit their activities. Previous studies are conducted in developed countries where the environment is conducive to stimulating elderly. Contrast, Thailand is dangerously environment, it is not conducive to movement. Thus, this study was to compare the physical abilities between elderly who had and had not FOF. The study was conducted in 140 elderly subjects who were aged more than 60 years and did not use devices during the test. The subjects were divided into 2 groups by the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), included FOF (n=61) and Non-FOF (n=79). Physical abilities were a gait, balance, and muscle strength of lower limb. Gait performance assessed using the 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT), balance performance assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and muscle strength of lower limb assessed using the Five-Times-Sit-to-Test-Stand Test (FTSST). The result found that Non-FOF had a better gait performance than FOF especially, (p <0.05). However, this study was not found the statistical significant of balance and muscle strength of lower limb. Therefore, the rehabilitation professional is aware fear of falling in the elderly and finds the strategy to reduce fear of falling and risk of falling in the elderly.