How falls and fear of falling affect the performance of daily activities in individuals with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this quantitative study was to assess falls and fear of falling in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and to determine their effects on daily activities. Design: A descriptive and prospective quantitative study. Methods: The study employed a descriptive and prospective design, examining 93 patients with knee osteoarthritis. We used the Lequesne Index (LI), the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), and the Visual Analog Scale for Fear of Falling (VAS-FOF) to assess the effects of falls and fear of falling on daily activities. Results: The mean age of participants was 62.0 years old. In total, 78.5% of patients had experienced falls in the past, 53.4% of whom were admitted to hospital as a result. There was a positive significant correlation between total mean Lequesne Index and VAS-FOF scores, age, and BMI of participants (r = 0.310; r = 0.231; r = 0.283) (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between FES and VAS-FOF scores, total LI score, and age (p < 0.05). In addition, a negative significant correlation was found between age and BMI (r =-0.257) (p < 0.013). Conclusion: The results demonstrated that fear of falling affects the performance of daily activities. Knee osteoarthritis is an important risk factor for falling, and falls affect daily activities in those with knee osteoarthritis.

Association of knee and hip osteoarthritis with the risk of falls and fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In patients with knee and hip OA, routine use of screening tools may help to identify those at increased risks of falls and fractures [ 46 ], and this is likely to promote the implementation of primary preventions, such as self-management, home safety resources, and more intensive clinical care [ 47 ]. Existing evidence has shown that exercise programs, such as strength training, tai chi, and aerobic exercises, can strengthen the muscles of the lower limb and improve balance, and thus reducing the risk of falls and the fear of falling in people with OA [ 48 ], and could be considered for people with knee and hip OA. However, OA patients are different from the general population in many aspects, including but not limited to joint stability, balance, muscle strength, and bone quality; therefore, more research should be performed to evaluate whether OA-specific screening tools could provide a more precise estimation for falls and fractures.…”

Barriers and Challenges to Self-Care among Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Qualitative Study

“…In patients with KOA, falls may cause fractures, tissue injuries, and even death, and fear of falling occurs with gait changes and disorders, reduction in confidence, depression, feelings of inadequacyin performing daily life activities, and losing active lifestyle. KOA restricts an individual physically, psychologically, and socially, so individuals face problems in some functions, such as getting up from a seat, and descending stairs ( 25 ). In the presence of such barriers, the individual loses motivation to perform self-care programs.…”

Physical Therapists’ Attitudes, Beliefs, and Barriers Regarding Fall Screening and Prevention among Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Numerous studies have confirmed that patients with knee osteoarthritis are at greater risk of falling than patients without knee osteoarthritis [4][5][6]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), falling is defined as unintentionally resting on the ground or a lower surface [7]. It has been reported globally that 30% of older adults experience at least one fall or more annually [8].…”

“…In regard to the extrinsic risk factor, assistive walking aids [10], slippery floors, inadequate lighting, Healthcare 2024, 12, 718 2 of 15 loose rugs, unstable furniture, and obstructed walkways influence the prevalence of falls in the elderly [11]. Falls not only impact a patient's physical capabilities but also their social and psychological conditions [7]. Additionally, injury from a fall can have a wide range of complications, such as fractures, tissue injuries, loss of confidence, fear of falling, or death.…”

“…Additionally, injury from a fall can have a wide range of complications, such as fractures, tissue injuries, loss of confidence, fear of falling, or death. Adults with a history of falling develop a fear of future falls, which can negatively affect their confidence in their ability to perform activities and, subsequently, limit their quality of life [7]. Thus, falls and their associated injuries are a significant burden on both society and healthcare systems [12].…”