FEAR OF FALLING PREDICTS INCIDENCE OF FUNCTIONAL LIMITATION TWO YEARS LATER

Abstract

We examined if fear of falling (FOF) predicts incident functional limitation over a 2-year period in older adults using self-reported and performance-based measures. In 2012, 1,601 participants were recruited from Canada, Colombia, and Brazil, and were re-assessed in 2014. We quantified FoF using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Functional limitation measures were (1) self-reported mobility limitation, and (2) physical performance limitation, score<9 on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB limitation). We entered in the analysis only those without functional limitation at baseline. In 2014, 131 (14.3%) and 166 (15.4%) participants reported incident mobility and SPPB limitation, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic, and health covariates in logistic regression models, one-point increase in FES-I (range: 116–64) at baseline predicted a 6% increase in the chance of reporting mobility limitation (95%CI: 1.04–1.09) and a 5% increase in the chance of having SPPB limitation in 2014 (95%CI: 1.02–1.07). It is increasingly important to study FOF’s effect on functional limitation and to take necessary measures that prevent the transition to end-stage disability.