Association between Fear of Falling and Seven Performance-Based Physical Function Measures in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Huang, Wen-Ni Wennie; Mao, Hui-Fen; Lee, Hsin-Min; Chi, Wen-Chou

doi:10.3390/healthcare10061139

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 56 publications

(73 reference statements)

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“…Frailty is considered a major threat to multimorbidity in older adults and may lead to physical functional decline and disability ( 20 , 21 ). Falls and FOF were associated with poor physical function (e.g., balance, gait speed, and grip strength) ( 22 , 23 ). Therefore, older adults with multimorbidity may be frail and have worse physical function, leading to a higher risk of falls and FOF.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Association between multimorbidity and falls and fear of falling among older adults in eastern China: a cross-sectional study

You

Guo

et al. 2023

Front. Public Health

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BackgroundGrowing evidence has reported an association between multimorbidity and falls and fear of falling (FOF) in older adults, however, the results regarding this association from China are limited. Our study aimed to investigate the association between multimorbidity and falls and FOF in older adults in eastern China.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in Zhejiang Province, Eastern China, which recruited a provincial representative sample of adults aged ≥ 60 years. A structured questionnaire including demographic characteristics, chronic diseases, history of falls in the past 12 months, and FOF, was administered by all participants. The exposure variable was multimorbidity, which was defined as the presence of two or more chronic diseases and medical conditions in the same individual. The outcomes included a history of falls and FOF. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between multimorbidity and falls and FOF in older adults.ResultsIn total of 7,774 participants were included in the analysis, among whom 3,898 (50.1%) were female, with a mean ± standard deviation age is 72.9 ± 8.4 years. Multimorbidity was associated with the increased risk of falling in older adults [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.99; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.55–2.36]. The ORs for having experienced single fall and repeated falls were 1.85 (95% CI: 1.42–2.42) and 3.45 (95% CI: 1.47–6.97), respectively, with multimorbidity compared with those without chronic diseases. The older adults with multimorbidity were more likely to report FOF compared with those without chronic diseases (adjusted OR, 1.49; 95%CI:1.30–1.70). Moreover, the association between multimorbidity and FOF remained significant in the older adults with a history of fall (OR, 1.57; 95%CI:1.04–2.38).ConclusionThe association between multimorbidity and falls and FOF is significant in the Chinese population and the effects of multimorbidity on falls and FOF do not vary according to the frequency and history of falls in older adults.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Association between multimorbidity and falls and fear of falling among older adults in eastern China: a cross-sectional study

You

Guo

et al. 2023

Front. Public Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In the cross-sectional studies, Huang et al [10], Nieto-Guisado et al [11], and Souza et al [12] demonstrated the close relationship between physical function, fear/risk of falling, proprioception, and postural control, reinforcing the importance of this type of screen as a means of preventing adverse outcomes associated with falls. Additionally, Santos et al demonstrated the effectiveness of the jump test in assessing muscle strength and power [13], two main factors in developing older adults' physical autonomy.…”

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confidence: 97%