Background Fear of falling (FOF) is prevalent among older adults and associated with adverse health outcomes. Over recent years a substantial body of research has emerged on its epidemiology, associated factors, and consequences. This scoping review summarizes the FOF literature published between April 2015 and March 2020 in order to inform current practice and identify gaps in the literature. Methods A total of 439 articles related to FOF in older adults were identified, 56 selected for full-text review, and 46 retained for data extraction and synthesis. Results The majority of included studies were cross-sectional. Older age, female sex, previous falls, worse physical performance, and depressive symptoms were the factors most consistently associated with FOF. Studies that measured FOF with a single question reported a significantly lower prevalence of FOF than those using the Falls Efficacy Scale, a continuous measure. FOF was associated with higher likelihoods of future falls, short-term mortality, and functional decline. Conclusions Comparisons between studies were limited by inconsistent definition and measurement of FOF, falls, and other characteristics. Consensus on how to measure FOF and which participant characteristics to evaluate would address this issue. Gaps in the literature include clarifying the relationships between FOF and cognitive, psychological, social, and environmental factors.
A 77-year old woman presented with a history of falls. Known health problems included biopsy-proven collagenous colitis treated with bismuth subsalicylate. On examination, in addition to impaired balance and gait, she was found to have tremors and cognitive deficits. Investigations revealed a markedly elevated urinary bismuth level. Withdrawal of bismuth subsalicylate led to marked cognitive and physical improvement.
Rational, aims, and objectives The FallProof Balance and Mobility Program is a multifactorial fall prevention intervention that targets intrinsic risk factors such as muscle strength, balance, gait, and posture. Using mixed methods, we evaluated the implementation of the program for older adults at high risk of falling in the community. Methods A pre‐post program evaluation and semi‐structured interviews were used to evaluate FallProof Balance and Mobility Program offered to older adults who were recurrent fallers. Over a 1‐year period, the 12‐week program was offered five times. Feasibility, acceptability, and outcome evaluation along with semi‐structured interviews were done. Over the course of the evaluation, participants were evaluated three times (baseline, 12, and 16 weeks). Results Of the 19 participants, who enrolled in the program, 16 completed the program and 12 attended at least 80% of the classes. Fourteen participants had mildly impaired cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment <26). Large gains (effect size 0.90) were seen with self‐management (Partner‐in‐Health Scale). Participants were very satisfied with the program. Three themes emerged from the semi‐structured interviews: (a) fall‐related benefits, (b) variety of activities and motivating instructors, and (c) deterrents to participation. Conclusion Findings provided insights into pragmatic issues of implementing a balance and mobility program for older adults at risk of falling. The FallProof program was found to be feasible and acceptable in a small cohort of older adults from the community.
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