RELATIONSHIP OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTION, EDUCATIONAL STATUS AND QUALITY OF LIFE WITH THE FUNCTIONAL BALANCE IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Balance is a complex construct which is affected by cognition. It is necessary to know the cognitive correlates of functional balance to design necessary interventions for the individuals with balance problems. Objectives: To determine the relationship of executive function, educational status and quality of life with the functional balance in older adults. Methodology: 120 healthy elderly subjects were taken for the study based on the inclusion criteria. Following the initial screening, the executive function, educational status and quality of life of the subjects were measured. Executive function performance test was used for measuring executive function. The quality of life was measured using SF36 questionnaire. The functional balance was measured using the berg balance scale and timed up and go test. The relationship among the outcome measure was found out using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The results of the present study showed that EFPT and BBS are negatively correlated to each other with r-value -0.271. The educational status score showed a low positive correlation with functional balance with r-value 0.358. The quality of life did not show any significant correlation with functional balance. Interpretation & Conclusion: Executive function and functional balance showed a low correlation. This means that higher the executive function, better will be the functional balance of the individual. Moreover, educational status also affects the functional balance of the individual.