The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy

The Korean Society of Physical Therapy (대한물리치료학회)
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The Relationship between Balance Test and Fear of Falling in Community Dwelling Elderly

지역 거주 노인의 균형 능력과 낙상 공포감의 관계

  • Jung, Mi-Suk (Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School, Catholic University of Daegu) ;
  • Park, Ji-Won (Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Science, Catholic University of Daegu)
  • 정미숙 (대구가톨릭대학교 대학원 물리치료학과) ;
  • 박지원 (대구가톨릭대학교 의료과학대학 물리치료학과)
  • Received : 2012.01.08
  • Accepted : 2012.02.15
  • Published : 2012.02.25
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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the difference between the faller and the non-faller in the test for balance and fear of falling. This was also done to determine whether the balance and the fear of falling are correlated in the elderly. Method: Forty eight subjects participated in this study, who attended the senior center in Daegu. Prior to the test, demographic data was collected. As for the balance test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up & Go (TUG), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and One Leg Stance (OLS) were used. For measuring the fear of falling, Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) were used. Independent t-test and Pearson's correlation was performed using PASW 18.0 for windows. Result: All balance tests, except OLS, and fear of falling could discriminate between the faller and the non-faller. There existed a significant correlation between some balance test and fear of falling (r=0.64~0.86). Conclusion: The findings indicate that assessing the falling in the elderly, there needs to be a consideration of multiple aspects including the fear of falling and not only the balance test.

Keywords

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