Fear of falling does not predict self-reported physical activity: an observational study with community-dwelling older adults

Author(s)

Aoyagi, Giovana A. ; Pinto, Rafael Z. ; Lemes, Italo R. ; Pastre, Carlos M. ; Eto, Bianca Y. ; Faria, Maira S. ; Morelhao, Priscila K. ; Franco, Marcia R.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PHYSIOTHERAPY; v. 116, p. 8-pg., 2022-09-01.

Abstract

Objectives To investigate the relationship between FOF and self-reported physical activity levels among older adults. Design Observational cross-sectional. Setting and participants Community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and over and without cognitive deficits were recruited. Main outcome measures Data collected included cognitive function [i.e., Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE)], FOF [i.e., Iconographic Falls Efficacy Scale (Icon-FES); Falls Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I)], self-reported physical activity (i.e., Modified Baecke Questionnaire for Elderly People), history of falls, number of comorbidities and clinical tests of balance and mobility (i.e., Short Physical Performance Battery and the single leg stance test with closed and opened eyes). Multivariable linear regression was used to test whether FOF predicts self-reported physical activity levels. Results A total of 200 older adults living in the community were enrolled in this study. Our results showed that FOF, as measured by FES-I or Icon-FES, did not predict self-reported physical activity levels in community-dwelling older adults. Conclusion Our results did not support previous evidence that higher FOF predicts lower levels of self-reported physical activity. These results question the role of FOF in influencing self-reported physical activity levels among community-dwelling older adults. (c) 2022 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/15539-3 - Association between fear of falling and physical activity levels among older people living in the community
• Grantee: Giovana Ayumi Aoyagi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 15/07704-9 - Effects of senior dance on risk factors for falls in older adults: a randomised controlled clinical trial
• Grantee: Marcia Rodrigues Franco Zambelli
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral