Physical activity in Iranian older adults who experienced fall during the past 12 months

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical activity may have several benefits for elderly people. However, the risk of falling might prevent this population from showing interest in physical activity. This research was aimed to explore facilitators and barriers to physical activity in older persons who have experienced at least one fall in the past 12 months.MethodsThis cross sectional study was conducted in 2010-2011, in Tehran, Iran. Using a multistage sampling method a group of elderly people entered into the study. A multi-section questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic information, physical activity level, and different determinants that might influence physical activity. Several statistical tests including linear regression were used to analyze the data.ResultsIn all, 180 old people from 40 elderly centers (49 men and 131 women) took part in the study. The mean age of participants was 65.9 ± 6.1 years. The result indicated that most participants experienced two or more falls during the last year (54.5%). Those who had more falls significantly scored lower on the Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (p < 0.0001). ‘Keeping in touch with friends’ was the most important advantage cited by participants for performing physical activity. The results obtained from linear regression analysis showed that ‘perceived benefits’ was the only significant factor that associated with physical activity (β = 1.03, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe findings suggest that perceived benefits could facilitate physical activity among elderly regardless of number of falls, self-reported health and daily living activities. However, we observed inverse association between number of falls and physical activity. Indeed the findings suggest that we should reinforce benefits exist when designing programs to increase physical activity among elderly population.

Cultural adaptation and psychometric adequacy of the Persian version of the physical activity scale for the elderly (P-PASE)

“…Along with the original version [7], there was no correlation between PASE and BMI in the current study, but there was a significant correlation between PASE and health status. Another study showed that, the higher PASE score is correlated with more favorable health [31, 32]. In the current study, the Cronbach's α coefficient indicating the good internal consistency.…”

The fall risk assessment and correlated factors among Iranians’ older adults

“…This is because of the activities they carry out, such as doing the housework, caring for their offspring and other family members (Salehi et al , 2010). Decreased risk of falling and physical activity were shown to be correlated by a previous study (Salehi et al , 2014). Furthermore, some research has also shown Iranian older women to be more energetic and emotionally resilient that their male counterparts (Salehi et al , 2012).…”

Hyponatremia, bone mineral density and falls in the elderly; Results from AHAP study

“…Data on physical activity was measured using Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE) and was collected through interviews [17,18]. The validity and reliability of this questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.97) were evaluated in an Iranian study [19]. The total score for each individual was calculated as between 0 and 400; higher scores meant higher physical activity levels.…”