EVALUATION OF THE FEAR OF FALLING, PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN A GROUP OF ELDERLY PEOPLE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between fear of falling and functional performance, as well as between fear of falling and quality of life. Additionally, to analyze quality of life, fear of falling, and functional performance across genders among elderly individuals enrolled in a physical activity, health, and quality of life program for seniors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 61 elderly participants of the program. The Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) was used to assess the risk of falling; the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Handgrip Strength (HGS), and Flexibility (FLEX) were used to measure functional performance; and the SF-36 Health Survey was used to assess Quality of Life. Results: It was found that women exhibited a moderate fear of falling (27.11 ± 7.57) while men exhibited a low fear of falling (19.71 ± 5.06), with p=0.015. A significant difference in HGS was observed between sexes (p<.001), with (20.97 ± 5.16) for women and (34.93 ± 6.39) for men. No gender differences were found regarding TUG and FLEX. A negative correlation was identified between fear of falling and the physical components of quality of life specifically functional capacity (r=-0.43; p=0.001) and general health (r=-0.31; p=0.022) only in the female group. There were no significant differences in the mental component or functional performance for either gender. Conclusion: The results suggest that there is no relationship between fear of falling and physical performance in the evaluated group of elderly individuals. Furthermore, a negative correlation was identified in women between the fear of falling and the functional capacity and general health domains of the physical component of quality of life.