Effects of fear of falling and activity restriction on normal and dual task walking in community dwelling older adults

Abstract

Fear of falling (FOF) is associated with poor physical and psychosocial health and can have debilitating consequences especially when it leads to activity restriction. This study examined whether normal and dual task gait disruptions were independently associated with FOF and activity restriction or if they were fully explained by impaired health status. Data was obtained from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Community dwelling adults =65 years, with a Mini-Mental State Examination score =18 and who completed a gait assessment (n=1307) were divided into three groups: no FOF, FOF but no activity restriction (FOF-NAR), FOF with activity restriction (FOF-AR). Physical, psychosocial and cognitive measures were obtained and gait characteristics were assessed using a GAITRite(®) mat during normal and dual task (cognitive) walking. After adjusting for sociodemographics, physical, mental and cognitive health, FOF was associated with reduced gait speed and stride length and increased double support phase and step width in normal and dual task conditions; these changes were most pronounced in those who restrict activities as a result of FOF. These gait changes may be associated with an increased fall risk, however some changes especially increased step width may also reflect positive, compensatory adaptations to FOF. The results also highlight the importance of treating underlying health impairments and preventing the transition from FOF to activity restriction

Fall prevention behavior among hospitalized elderly patients

“…So, discussing these preventive behaviors practiced by hospitalized elderly patients may guide the management of falls by nursing and provide it with means to contribute to preventive and autonomous attitudes among these patients. The sociodemographic profile of the elderly patients participating in this survey is similar to others found in the literature [16,17]. Some studies point out a higher risk of falls, from 2 to 4 times, among white individuals than among Hispanics or Afrodescendents, highlight those of Asian descent, who have shown the lowest rates of falls, probably due to healthier habits regarding physical activity [18].…”

Gait performance of the elderly under dual-task conditions: Review of instruments employed and kinematic parameters

“…Of these, 13 analyzed a single group of elderly individuals [25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] and 15 compared groups of elderly individuals with different characteristics. 5,6,[16][17][18][19][20][21][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] Charts 1 and 2 contain the details of the studies included in this review, as well as the details of the samples, instruments, tasks and spatial and temporal parameters of gait in each study. Step time; variability of the step …”

Balance Confidence Is Related to Features of Balance and Gait in Individuals with Chronic Stroke

“…These trends reflect cautious behaviour during walking, which may either be a contributor to low balance confidence (i.e., these changes in gait may lead to changes in balance confidence) or a consequence (i.e., individuals' walking patterns change in an attempt to increase postural stability and reduce the risk of falling [27][28][29]). Reduced body momentum resulting from a slower walking velocity may increase the likelihood that should a loss of balance occur, the individual will successfully be able to recover their balance [28].…”