Falls Efficacy Research Articles

CORRELATION BETWEEN FOOTWEAR SUITABILITY, FEAR OF FALLING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE THIRD TRIMESTER

Purpose: Pregnancy is a time in which the biomechanics of the body changes due to intense physiological and physical changes, especially in the third trimester, when an increase in falls and a decrease in physical activity may occur. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the suitability of footwear used by pregnant women, fear of falling, and physical activity in third trimester of pregnancy.
 Methods: One hundred twenty-three pregnant women aged between 18-40 years with a gestational age of 28 weeks and above were included the study. The Footwear Assessment Score was used to assess the suitability of the footwear. The fear of falling of the participants was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International, and the physical activity level was measured using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.
 Results: A low negative correlation (r=-0.215;p

Influencing factors of fear of falling among glaucoma patients in west China: a cross-sectional study.

To investigate the current situation and influencing factors of fear of falling in glaucoma patients in western China. In this cross-sectional study, glaucoma patients treated in the Ophthalmology Department of West China Hospital of Sichuan University were conducted to investigate the demographic data, visual acuity, visual field, activities of daily living, risk of falling, fear of falling and psychological states. Generalized linear model was used for multivariate analysis with fear of falling as dependent variable and other factors as independent variables. The mean score of the Chinese version modified Fall Efficacy Scale (MFES) was 7.52±2.09 points. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis showed that the history of falls within one year, visual acuity, visual field, risk of falling, activities of daily living and psychological states had statistically difference on fear of falling (P<0.05). Glaucoma patients in west China have relatively high risk of fear of falling. History of falling within 1y, severe visual function impairment, high risk of falling, incapable of independence of daily living, and abnormal psychological state are risk factors of fear of falling among glaucoma patients.

Assessment of the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the New Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (NFOG-Q-IT) in people with Parkinson disease: a validity and reliability study.

Freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a challenging clinical symptom to assess, due to its episodic nature. A valid and reliable tool is the New FOG Questionnaire (NFOG-Q) used worldwide to measure FOG symptoms in PD. The aim of this study was to translate, to culturally adapt, and to test the psychometric characteristics of the Italian version of the NFOG-Q (NFOG-Q-It). The translation and cultural adaptation was based on ISPOR TCA guidelines to finalize the 9-item NFOG-Q-It. Internal consistency was assessed in 181 Italian PD native speakers who experienced FOG using Cronbach's alpha. Cross-cultural analysis was tested using the Spearman's correlation between the NFOG-Q-It and the Modified Hoehn-Yahr Scale (M-H&Y). To assess construct validity, correlations among NFOG-Q-It, Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), the 6-min Walking Test (6MWT), the Mini Balance Evaluation System Test (Mini-BESTest) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were investigated. The Italian N-FOGQ had high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.859). Validity analysis showed significant correlations between NFOG-Q-IT total score and M-H&Y scores (r = 0.281 p < 0.001), MDS-UPDRS (r = 0.359 p < 0.001), FES-I (r = 0.230 p = 0.002), Mini BESTest (r = -0.256 p = 0.001) and 6MWT (r = -0.166 p = 0.026). No significant correlations were found with SPPB, MOCA and MMSE. The NFOG-It is a valuable and reliable tool for assessing FOG symptoms, duration and frequency in PD subjects. Results provide the validity of NFOG-Q-It by reproducing and enlarging previous psychometric data.

Dual-mobility cup total hip arthroplasty improves the quality of life compared to internal fixation in femoral neck fractures patients with severe neuromuscular disease in the lower extremity after stroke: a retrospective study.

This study aimed to demonstrate that dual-mobility cup total hip arthroplasty (DMC-THA) can significantly improve the quality of life (QOL) of elderly femoral neck fracture patients with severe neuromuscular disease in unilateral lower extremities due to stroke hemiplegia compared to internal fixation (IF). Fifty-eight cases of severe neuromuscular disease in the unilateral lower extremities with muscle strength < grade 3/5 due to stroke were retrospectively examined From January 2015 to December 2020. Then, patients were divided into DMC and IF groups. The QOL was examined using the EQ-5D and SF-36 outcome measures. The physical and mental statuses were assessed using the Barthel Index (BI) and e Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), respectively. Patients in the DMC group had higher BI scores than those in the IF group at different time point. Regarding mental status, the FES-I mean score was 42.1 ± 5.3 in the DMC group and 47.3 ± 5.6 in the IF group (p = 0.002). For the QOL, the mean SF-36 score was 46.1 ± 18.3 for the health component and 59.5 ± 15.0 for the mental component in the DMC group compared to 35.3 ± 16.2 (p = 0.035), and 46.6 ± 17.4 (p = 0.006) compared to the IF group. The mean EQ-5D-5L values were 0.733 ± 0.190 and 0.303 ± 0.227 in the DMC and IF groups (p = 0.035), respectively. DMC-THA significantly improved postoperative QOL compared to IF in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures and severe neuromuscular dysfunction in the lower extremity after stroke. The improved outcomes were related to the enhanced early, rudimentary motor function of patients.

Home-Based Exergame Program to Improve Physical Function, Fall Efficacy, Depression and Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of home-based exergame programs on physical function, fall efficacy, depression, and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. Fifty-seven participants aged 75 years or older were divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group received a home-based exergame program that included balance and lower-extremity muscle strength for 8 weeks. The participants exercised at home for 50 min three times a week and were monitored through a video-conference application. Both groups received online education on musculoskeletal health once a week, whereas the control group did not exercise. Physical function was assessed using the one-leg standing test (OLST), Berg balance scale (BBS), functional reaching test (FRT), timed up-and-go test (TUGT), and five-times sit-to-stand (FTSTS). Fall efficacy was assessed using the modified falls efficacy scale (MFES). Depression was assessed using the geriatric depression scale (GDS). Health-related quality of life was assessed using a 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36). The experimental group showed an overall improvement in OLST, BBS, FRT, TUGT, and FTSTS (p < 0.05). MFES was significantly increased in the experimental group after the intervention (p < 0.05). The GDS significantly decreased in the experimental group after the intervention (p < 0.05). In SF-36, role limitations due to physical health, general health, and fatigue (energy and fatigue) items improved in the experimental group after intervention (p < 0.05). An 8-week home-based exergame program improved physical function, fall efficacy, depression, and health-related quality of life in older adults. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05802537).

THE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY ON INDICATORS OF THE LOCOMOTIVE SYNDROME IN ELDERLY PERSONS WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed physical therapy program on the parameters of the locomotive syndrome in elderly people with the motor consequences of total knee arthroplasty against the background of the geriatric syndrome of sarcopenia, in the remote period after the operation.&#x0D; Methods. 80 elderly people were examined. The control group consisted of 24 people without joint endoprostheses, with no signs of sarcopenia. The comparison group consisted of individuals with knee arthroplasty and sarcopenia with low rehabilitation compliance with regard to active rehabilitation intervention. Representatives of the main group with knee endoprosthesis and sarcopenia practiced according to a developed program of physical therapy, created taking into account the specifics of each comorbid condition. The program lasted 6 months; contained the following elements: therapeutic exercises, functional training, massage, kinesiotaping; dietary recommendations; patient education. Its purpose was: correction of the phenomena of motor stereotype violation as a consequence of total knee arthroplasty, in particular, phenomena of the locomotive syndrome, leveling of the phenomena of sarcopenia both at the level of its motor manifestations and at the level of etiopathogenesis of this geriatric condition; facilitation of activities of daily life, improvement of psycho-emotional state, and – as a result – improvement of quality of life. In the process of physical therapy, individual short- and long-term goals defined in the SMART format were consistently achieved within the framework of the patient-centered rehabilitation model. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated according to the dynamics of The Short Physical Performance Battery, Functional Gait Assessment, Fall efficacy scale, 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale.&#x0D; Results. In elderly patients with knee arthroplasty and sarcopenia, signs of locomotor syndrome were found in the form of impaired balance when performing simple movements (according to The Short Physical Performance Battery), violation of the normal gait stereotype and the resulting risk of falling (according to the Functional Gait Assessment), which led to awareness of the fear of falling (according to the Fall efficacy scale). The hall level of movement disorders corresponded to locomotive syndrome of the II degree (according to the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale). The developed physical therapy program revealed a statistical improvement in the condition of patients due to the effect on the components of the locomotive syndrome due to the improvement of balance and gait parameters, reduction of the risk of falling and fear of falling compared to the initial indicators for all the studied parameters (р&lt;0.05); however, the indicators of the control group were not reached (p&gt;0.05). Low rehabilitation compliance in patients with knee arthroplasty and sarcopenia, despite awareness of the risks of this comorbidity, was associated with a lack of improvement over a similar follow-up period.&#x0D; Conclusions. Elderly patients with the consequences of total knee arthroplasty and sarcopenia require the development of physical therapy programs taking into account and correcting the specifics of each condition, the presence of physical status disorders and the risk of falling, which will increase the overall effectiveness of rehabilitation measures.

Does the fear of falls interfere with the task of boarding a bus in individuals with Parkinson’s disease?

BACKGROUND: Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have motor impairment that leads to the fear of falling, which limits functional independence. AIM: To correlate the fear of falling with cognitive function, handgrip strength, upper limb pulling force and functional execution time on the task of boarding a bus in individuals with PD. METHOD: A cross-sectional study involving 31 individuals with idiopathic PD. Assessments were performed with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I). Handgrip strength and upper limb pulling force were measured using dynamometers installed on a bus prototype. Execution time was determined on the single task (ST), which consisted of climbing a bus, as well as a dual task (DT) (detecting specific letters from an audio recording during the task). Correlations between variables were determined using Pearson’s correlation test, with the significance level set at 5% (p &lt;0.05). RESULTS: Moderate correlations were found between the FES-I score and the following variables: MVC for right handgrip strength (r = -0.491), left handgrip strength (r = -0.522), right arm pulling force (r = -0.522) and left arm pulling force (r = -0.563) as well as execution time on the ST (r = 0.514) and DT (r = 0.445). Moreover, a weak correlation was found between the total FES-I score and MMSE (r = -0.377). CONCLUSION: Greater concern with regards to falling was correlated with lower handgrip strength and upper limb pulling force, and a greater time spent boarding a bus under ST and DT conditions.

Analysis of factors associated with 6MWD among older patients with chronic heart failure

To study the factors that influence the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) among older patients with chronic heart failure. This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study. A total of 123 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University was selected. The factors associated with the 6MWD were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression. The 6MWD of older patients was negatively correlated with age, fall risk, nutritional score, frailty, and depression but was positively correlated with educational level, fall efficacy, self-care ability, and plasma albumin. The results of independent variable multiple linear regression analysis showed that age (β = -0.098), fall risk (β = -0.262), fall efficacy (β = 0.011), self-care ability (β = -0.021), nutrition (β = -0.405), frailty (β = -0.653), and plasma albumin (β = 0.127) influenced the 6MWD. The 6MWD of older patients with chronic heart failure was related to age, self-care ability, fall risk, nutrition, frailty, and depression.

Studies in the Falls Efficacy Scale-International for patients with cervical compressive myelopathy: Reliability, validity, and minimum clinically important difference

Context Patients with cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM) often complain of body balance problems, such as fear of falling and bodily unsteadiness. However, no accepted patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for this symptomatology exist. The Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) is one of the most widely used PROMs for evaluating impaired body balance in various clinical fields. Objective To examine reliability, validity, and minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of the FES-I for the evaluation of impaired body balance in patients with CCM. Methods Patients who underwent surgery for CCM were retrospectively reviewed. The FES-I was administered preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively. Further, cJOA-LE score (subscore for lower extremities in the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score for cervical myelopathy) and stabilometric data, obtained at the same time points of the FES-I administration, were analyzed. Reliability was examined through internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha. Convergent validity was studied using correlation analysis. The MCID was estimated using anchor- and distribution-based methods. Results Overall, 151 patients were included for analysis. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was the acceptable value of 0.97 at both baseline and 1 year postoperatively. As for convergent validity, the FES-I had significant correlations with the cJOA-LE score and stabilometric parameters both at baseline and 1 year postoperatively. The MCID calculated using anchor- and distribution-based methods was 5.5 and 10, respectively. Conclusion FES-I is a reliable and valid PROM to evaluate body balance problems for the CCM population. The established thresholds of MCID can help clinicians recognize the clinical significance of changes in patient status.

Profiling demographic characteristics and balance performance measure of community-dwelling older adults participating in a randomized Arnis-based exercise program

Introduction: This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic characteristics and baseline balance-related outcomes of community-dwelling adults who are eligible to participate in a pilot randomized controlled study involving Arnis. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study convenience sampled participants from Binangonan, Rizal. Participants were randomly allocated to either the control or Arnis group. Demographic characteristics were obtained using questionnaire. Baseline measurements for balance (using the Berg Balance Scale and Timed-Up and Go Test), concern for falling (using Falls Efficacy 20 Scale-International Filipino), and lower limb strength (using 30-second Chair-Stand Test) were conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic data. MannWhitney U Test was used to compare the baseline characteristics of the two groups. An α &lt; 0.05 was set as the significance threshold. Results: Forty-one community-dwelling older adults were screened, but only 20 were eligible and consented to participate. Six withdrew before baseline measurements. A total of 14 participants (mean age = 65 ± 5.26 years, range = 60-78) were included in the final analysis. There are no statistical differences between the two groups on their demographic characteristics and baseline measures (p &gt;0.05). Discussion: The two groups are similar at baseline, which indicates a decreased risk of treatment comparison bias in a randomized controlled trial study.

The effect of a gait and balance training program on an unstable mudflats surface in older adults: A randomized controlled pilot study.

Balance training on an unstable support surface has been known to improve postural control. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a gait and balance training program on an unstable mudflats surface in older adults. A total of 28 older people were assigned to participate in a gait and balance training program on an unstable mudflats surface (experimental group) or on firm ground (control group). All participants received the training program for 55 minutes per session, 2 sessions per day for 5 days. The primary outcomes were the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and single-leg stance (SLS) test. Secondary outcomes were Timed Up and Go (TUG), 10-meter walk test (10MWT), Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES), Motricity Index (MI) of the lower extremities, and medical research council (MRC) scale of lower extremities. SLS with eyes open and the MRC of the left and right ankles showed a large effect size whereas the MI of the left and right lower extremities and MRC of the left and right knees showed a medium effect size in the experimental group. Intergroup differences in changes from baseline to after the exercise program included a large effect size of the SLS with eye open and MI of the right lower extremity and a medium effect size of the MI of the left lower extremity and MRC of the right ankle and left hip. Muscle strength and balance of older people could be improved with gait and balance training on an unstable mudflat surface.

Effects of trunk stabilization exercises using laser pointer visual feedback in patients with chronic stroke: A randomized controlled study.

Many previous studies have cited the importance of trunk stabilization exercises in patients with stroke. However, the evidence for optimal trunk stabilization exercises for patients with stroke is still lacking. To investigate the effects of laser pointer visual feedback in trunk stabilization exercises that are important for improving trunk dysfunction in patients with stroke. In total, 30 patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent a traditional stroke rehabilitation program and trunk stabilization exercises using laser pointer visual feedback. The control group underwent a traditional stroke rehabilitation program and trunk stabilization exercises without visual feedback. Pre- and postintervention results after 6weeks were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale, static and dynamic plantar pressure, 10-m walk test, and the Korean version of the Fall Efficacy Scale. The results were analyzed using a general linear repeated measurement model. Both groups showed significant improvements in BBS scores, static plantar pressure, dynamic plantar pressure, 10 MWT, and K-FES scores after 6weeks of intervention (P< 0.05). Compared to the control group, significant improvements were observed in the experimental group in the Berg Balance Scale scores, dynamic paretic posterior plantar pressure, 10-m walk test, and Korean version of the Fall Efficacy Scale scores (P< 0.025). Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of visual feedback during trunk stabilization exercises for resolving trunk dysfunction in patients with stroke. Trunk stabilization exercises using laser pointer visual feedback have been found to be more effective in balance, walking, and fall efficacy in patients with stroke.

Urdu Translation and Cross-Cultural Validation of Short Fall Efficacy Scale International

Background: In 2008 a tool named Short Fall efficacy international (Short FES-I) was developed by kampen et al to assess fear of fall in older adult’s Short fall efficacy scale was consisted on seven items. It is four points Likert scale. The total score is 28 which shows the high concern of fall and 7 score shows the minimum concern of fall. Objective: The Aim of the study was to translate and validate short fall efficacy scale international in Urdu language. Methods: it was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study was completed in 2 phases in first phase forward and backward translation process was performed according to proFaNE guidelines. Secondly, the psychometric properties of Urdu version short FES-I were statistically analyzed using a sample of 110 community dwelling older adults at 2 Private hospitals of Shahdara Lahore. Participants completed the Urdu versions of Short FES-I and ABC scale. They also performed TUG. Reliability and validity of short FES-I Urdu version was evaluated by calculating Cronbach’s alpha, intra-class correlation co-efficient and Pearson/ Spearman rank correlation co-efficient. SPSS 21 was used for data analysis. Results: Content validity analyzed by content validity index ranged from (0.92- 1). Reliability and validity of Urdu Version Short FES-I was evaluated by calculating Cronbach’s alpha (α=0.93), intra-class correlation co-efficient (ICC=0.96) and Pearson rank correlation co-efficient (p= -0.90) Short FES-I to ABC scale and to TUG scale its (P=0.82). SPSS 25 was used for data analysis. Conclusion: Urdu version of Short FES-I was designed, tested for its validity and reliability on older adults. Urdu version was linguistically accurate and acceptable. It showed good content, and convergent validity. It also presented high internal consistency and test retest reliability. As an outcome, the Urdu version of short FES-I can be useful for Urdu speaking population. Keywords: Fear of fall, fall efficacy, Urdu version, Reliability, Validity

Relationship between fall history and toe grip strength in older adults with knee osteoarthritis in Japan: A cross-sectional study.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA), one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases in older adults, is associated with a high incidence of falls. Similarly, toe grip strength (TGS) is associated with a history of falls in older adults; however, the relationship between TGS and falls in older adults with KOA who are at risk of falling is not known. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if TGS is associated with a history of falls in older adults with KOA. The study participants, older adults with KOA scheduled to undergo unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA), were divided into two groups: non-fall (n = 256) and fall groups (n = 74). Descriptive data, fall-related assessments, modified Fall Efficacy Scale (mFES), radiographic data, pain, and physical function including TGS were evaluated. The assessment was conducted on the day before performing TKA. Mann-Whitney and chi-squared tests were performed to compare the two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of each outcome with the presence or absence of falls. Mann-Whitney U test revealed that the fall group had statistically significantly lower height, TGS on the affected and unaffected sides, and mFES. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the incidence of fall history is associated with TGS on the affected side; the weaker the affected TGS of the KOA, the more likely the individual is to fall. Our results indicate that TGS on the affected side is related to a history of falls in older adults with KOA. The significance of evaluating TGS among patients with KOA in routine clinical practice was demonstrated.

The effect of body awareness on trunk control, affected upper extremity function, balance, fear of falling, functional level, and level of independence in patients with stroke

ABSTRACT Objectives This study was conducted to examine the effects of body awareness on trunk control, affected upper extremity function, balance, fear of falling, functional level, and level of independence in patients with stroke. Methods 35 individuals between the ages of 21 and 78 who were diagnosed with stroke were included in the study. The body awareness of the individuals participating in the study was determined with the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ), trunk control with Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), the affected upper extremity functions with Motor Activity Log-28 (MAL,-28), and Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment (FMUEA), balance with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), fear of falling with Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale (TFES), functional level with Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index (BI) and level of independence with Functional Independence Measures (FIM). Results For patients participating in the study, 26% were female, 74% were male and 43% showed left, 57% showed right hemisphere involvement. In simple linear regression analysis, BAQ measurement had a statistically significant effect on TIS (F = 25.439 p = 0.001), MAL-28 (F = 7.852 p = 0.008), FMUEA (F = 12.155 p = 0.001), BBS (F = 13.506 p = 0.001), TFES (F = 13.119 p = 0.001), BI (F = 19.977 p = 0.001) and FIM (F = 22.014 p = 0.001) in patients with stroke. Conclusions In conclusion, body awareness was found to be one of the factors affecting trunk control, affected upper extremity function, balance, fear of falling, functional level, and level of independence in patients with stroke. It was thought that there was a need for assessment of body awareness and include bodyawareness in rehabilitation programs in patients with stroke.

Risk factors for fall among the elderly with diabetes mellitus type 2 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2022: a cross-sectional study.

In this observational cross-sectional study, 309 diabetic patients aged 60 years or more who visited the primary healthcare centers of the Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs in Jeddah were chosen via convenience sampling method. To collect the data, a structured Fall Risk Assessment questionnaire and Fall Efficacy Score scale were used. The mean age of the participants was estimated to be 68.5 (SD: 7.4) years. Among the participants, 48.2% have fallen before, and 63.1% of them suffered falls in the past 12 months. The results showed that gait problems were independently associated with a higher likelihood of falls among elderly patients [odds ratio (OR)=1.98; 95% CI: 1.08-3.62; P=0.026]. Based on the linear regression analysis, we identified the following risk factors for lower falls efficacy: having gait problems (β=12.50; 95% CI: 7.38-17.6; P<0.001), balance difficulties (β=6.58; 95% CI: 1.35-11.8; P=0.014), and neurological/cognitive impairments (β=9.62; 95% CI: 3.89-15.4; P=0.001), as well as having poor sleep quality (β=8.11, 95% CI: 3.32-12.9; P<0.001). This paper suggests that diabetes mellitus is an independent fall risk factor among the elderly. Therefore, identifying such patients as being at higher risk and prompt referral to a specialist falls clinic is recommended.

Assessment of Vestibular System and Balance Function in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the balance and vestibular system of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Materials and Method: A prospective case–control study was performed in a university hospital. The study population consisted of 37 patients (16 patient group, 21 control group). The Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction Balance was performed in four conditions: 1) eyes open, firm surface; 2) eyes closed, firm surface; 3) eyes closed, foam surface; and 4) eyes open, foam surface. The Equilibrium Score, Anteroposterior Stability Index, Mediolateral Stability Index were employed for all conditions in both groups. Scores were compared between and within groups. Additionally, the physical activity of the patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome was assessed using questionnaires based on the Turkish versions of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Results: There were no significant differences in terms of stability index and equilibrium scores with eyes open or closed conditions between the two groups; the only difference was in the mean mediolateral stability index score in the eyes open, firm surface condition with low scores in the pseudoexfoliation group (p=0.01). In the group analysis, patients with pseudoexfoliation had a significant increase in the equilibrium scores when their eyes were closed in the firm and foam surface conditions (p=0.001 for both). Conclusion: The central nervous system redistributes its dependence on sensory information when vision is compromised in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Their somatosensory input might deteriorate in some way but not the vestibular system. Keywords: Dizziness; Glaucoma; Aged.

The relationship of kinesiophobia with depression and anxiety in nursing homes.

Within the scope of our study, it was conducted to examine kinesiophobia and fear of falling in elderly individuals staying in nursing homes. Our study was conducted with 175 elderly individuals who stayed in nursing homes affiliated with the Ministry of Family and Social Policies in Ankara, Bolu, and Düzce provinces between January 2021 and April 2021. After the demographic information was obtained, the anxiety/fear of falling was evaluated with the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), kinesiophobia with the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, and the depression levels with the Beck Depression Scale. A significant correlation was found between depression levels (p=0.023). A significant correlation was found between the anxiety/fear of falling and the number of chronic diseases, increasing age, female gender, and assistive device use (p=0.011). While there was a significant correlation between having a chronic illness, increasing age, the use of assistive devices, the presence of falls, and kinesiophobia, a significant negative correlation was found with physical activity (p=0.033). As a result, while falling individuals had an increased kinesiophobia, it was observed that individuals with increased kinesiophobia had more anxiety/fear of falling, and individuals with this condition had higher levels of depression.

16주간 댄스스포츠와 근력운동이 남성노인의 기능체력과 낙상효능감에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of dance sports and muscle strength exercise in the elderly men on functional fitness, and fall efficacy scale test. The subjects of the study were 27 male seniors aged 65 or older living in G-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, and were classified into three groups: Dance Sports Group (n=10), Muscle Exercise Group (n=7), and Control Group (n=10). The experimental group was conducted three times a week for 16 weeks. As a result, in terms of functional body change in the elderly, the dance sports group showed more positive effects than the muscle exercise group and the control group in the 30-second chair stand test, 30-second push-up test, chair sitting and reaching test, backscratch test, and 2.44m up and high test. However, the exercise intervention effect did not appear in the two-minute step-by-step test. In the fall efficacy scale change test, the dance sports group showed better results than the control group. Therefore, in the case of the elderly, through regular physical activity and exercise, the overall physical health of the elderly can be maintained, such as maintaining muscle mass, reducing the prevalence of disease, and maintaining and enhancing functional fitness and fall efficacy. It is thought that the results of this study can be used as useful data for the elderly to form a successful aging process in the future as they maintain their health.

Association between fear of falling and self-care behaviours of older people with hypertension.

This study investigated the association between fear of falling and self-care behaviours of older people with hypertension. A cross-sectional study. This study was conducted in 2019 on 301 older people with hypertension above the age of 60 years in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Persian Falls Efficacy Scale-International, and a hypertension-related self-care behaviour questionnaire. Analyses revealed that gender, educational level and history of falling were significant factors associated with fear of falling; and marital status, educational level and income source were significant factors associated with self-care behaviours (p < 0.05). Partial correlations controlling for education revealed a significant positive correlation showing that high fear of falling is associated with worse health promotion self-care behaviours and significant inverse correlations with psycho-emotional, social and daily self-care behaviours (p < 0.05), meaning that high fear of falling is associated with better self-care for these dimensions. This study involved patients in order to evaluate the validity and reliability of the questionnaires. The study was conducted on older people with hypertension referred to hypertension clinics in hospitals.