Abstract

We explored the role of attention in functional reach, a measure of balance that has been shown to predict recurrent falls in older adults, in 157 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 76.5 years) with a history of falling. Functional reach was measured as well as physical measures (timed up and go and ankle dorsiflexion and knee extension strength), attention measures (visual attention and spatial and verbal working memory), and visual measures (acuity, contrast sensitivity, and field performance). The results suggest that functional reach is related to attention. Further study of these relationships and the exploration of the interface between cognitive interventions and physical rehabilitation may improve strategies to prevent falls in elders.

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