Disentangling the relationship between falls, fear of falling, physical function and walking by applying a socioecological framework to the International Mobility in Aging Study

Abstract

Introduction:The relationships between falls, fear of falling, poor mobility, and PA avoidance occur in a cyclic, multi-directional fashion. Aim: This study investigates the concomitant associations of fall history, fear of falling, and physical performance (SPPB) on physical activity using a cross-national sample of community-dwelling older adults from middle and high-income countries.Methods:Linear mixed-effects models looking at the influence of individual and environmental factors were used and participants were nested within each study site.Results:Estimated walking minutes was 52% lower for those with low SPPB compared to high SPPB, 20% lower for those with medium level fear of falling compared to low levels, and 50% lower for those with high level fear of falling compared to low levels.Conclusion:An individual’s fear of falling and physical performance may be important to consider when making PA recommendations to older adults regardless of sex, age, and environment.