Abstract
PURPOSE Fear of falling can be evaluated using the Balance Efficacy Scale (BES) which quantifies an older person's confidence in performing everyday tasks (e.g., walking up stairs, walking outside, getting out of a bathtub) Fear of falling is likely associated with age-related decline in functional capacity. Various tests are used to assess an older person's functional capacities that are dependent upon muscle strength and power. To determine whether an association exists between functional tests and BES scores. METHODS Eighteen older adults [mean ± SD (range), 79.6 ± 6.7(67 to 92 yr)] completed the BES and the following functional tests; 8-ft up & go, 30-sec chair stand, 30-sec arm curl, 30-ft maximum speed walk, and isometric handgrip dynamometry. All tests, except for the chair stand and arm curl, were performed 3 times and the best score was recorded. All tests were performed during one session with adequate rest periods. One-tailed Pearson correlations were used to determine significant relationships between BES and functional test scores. RESULTS BES correlated with the following functional tests; 8-ft up & go (r = −.75, p <0.01), 30-sec chair stand (r = .56, p <0.05), and 30-ft walk (r = −.72, p <0.01). Mean scores were 70.6 ± 19.6 (BES; on a scale of 0 to 100, 100 reflecting the highest efficacy), 8.0 ± 2.0 sec (8-ft up & go), 11.6 ± 2.3 stands (30-sec chair stand), and 7.09 ± 1.56 sec (30-ft walk). There were no significant correlations between BES and the other functional tests. CONCLUSIONS Only those functional tests that challenged the lower body correlated with BES. These results suggest that functional abilities, particularly those requiring leg strength and power, are related to an older person's balance efficacy or confidence in performing everyday tasks. Exercise programs for improving balance efficacy of older adults should emphasize lower body function. Supported by Barry University Research Scholarship Fund.
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