Correlation of functional mobility with handgrip strength, functional capacity for instrumental activities of daily living, fear of falling and number of falls in community-dwelling elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Functional mobility is essential for quality life and its worsening is the first sign of functional decline in the elderly. Objective: To assess the correlation of functional mobility with handgrip strength (HGS), functional capacity for IADL (FC-IADL) and fear of falling and number of falls in community-dwelling elderly. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 303 community-dwelling elderly of both sexes, in Juiz de Fora (MG, Brazil). Functional mobility (TUG), HGS (dynamometer, JAMAR), FC-IADL (Lawton and Brody Scale), fear of falling (FES-I-Brazil) and number of falls were assessed. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test, and significance was established at ≤ 5%. Results: The elderly studied consisted of 61.7% females, were 73.5 ± 7.8 years old and had little schooling (4.3 ± 3.5 years). Functional mobility showed a moderate correlation with HGS (r = -0.383 and r = -0.322; women and men respectively) and FC-IADL (r = -0.568 and r = -0.583) in both sexes and fear of falling (r = 0.511) in females, a weak correlation with fear of falling in males (r = 0.243) and number of falls in both sexes (r = 0.101 and r = 0.195). Conclusion: Functional mobility showed a moderate correlation with HGS and FC-IADL in both sexes and fear of falling in females. It showed a weak correlation with fear of falling in males and number of falls in both sexes. The overestimated self-efficacy to prevent falls in men and the protective role of fear of falling in individuals with functional mobility limitations may explain these findings.

Construction and validation of a rehabilitation nursing program for fragile elderly

“…As the balance and strength of the elderly are often compromised, their fear of falling increases constantly, limiting socialization and performance of DLAs, which generates a snowball effect of disuse and decreased function, muscle mass, balance, posture, coordination, and flexibility (30) . In addition to all the physical phenomena inherent in falls, these have psychic and social repercussions.…”

“…In addition to all the physical phenomena inherent in falls, these have psychic and social repercussions. When feeling fear of falling, the person loses self-confidence, isolates himself, becomes more dependent on the performance of daily life activities, leading to greater dependence on third parties (30)(31)(32) .…”

The relationship between fear of falling, quality of life, and basic and instrumental activities of daily living in elderly women: A cross-sectional study

“…The prevalence of fear of falling (FoF) in the elderly is from 20% to 39% [4]. However, few studies have addressed the relationship between FoF, QoL, basic activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental ADL in elderly women [3,5,6]. Directly, the FoF in the elderly can affect their QoL and also disrupt basic ADL and instrumental ADL in the elderly [7].…”

“…However, previous evidence is limited in the field of the relationship between FoF, QoL, basic ADL, and instrumental ADL in elderly women [3,5,6]. Meanwhile, a study in Brazil showed that the FoF can affect basic ADL and instrumental ADL [5]. Another study in Norway showed that there is a high correlation between QoL, basic ADL, and instrumental ADL [6].…”