Evaluation of the content of a web tool aimed to identify early markers related to fall risk among middle-aged people

Abstract

Today, the health care sector has no test for early age-related deterioration in physical ability. The aim of this study was to evaluate questionnaires, videos and physical tests whose task will be to identify early markers related to an increased fall risk in middle-aged people. If the person is aware of deficits in physical ability related to fall risk, the person can then use that knowledge to perform relevant training that can strengthen the physical ability related to fall risk. Self-efficacy for balance and strength, physical ability related to fall risk and body composition were measured for 36 middle-aged test participants. This study shows that the tested physical exercises were useful for self-assessment of physical ability. Impairment in physical ability could not be identified solely with measurement of body composition, walking speed, questions, videos that show adjustments that are common in people with impaired balance, or an extended version of the Short version of Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale. This study indicates that a combination of questionnaires, videos and physical exercises can evaluate physical ability and act as a method to identify early markers related to increased fall risk. The questionnaire, videos and physical exercises can be implemented in a web tool that could make persons aware that they have decreased physical ability regarding fall risk or that they needlessly make physical compensations when performing daily activities and thus are missing opportunities to strengthen their physical ability every day.