Article

Fear of falling (FOF) is associated with poor physical and psychosocial health
and can have debilitating consequences especially when it leads to activity
restriction. This study examined whether normal and dual task gait disruptions
were independently associated with FOF and activity restriction or if they were
fully explained by impaired health status. Data was obtained from The Irish
Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Community dwelling adults >/=65 years, with
a Mini-Mental State Examination score >/=18 and who completed a gait assessment
(n=1307) were divided into three groups: no FOF, FOF but no activity restriction
(FOF-NAR), FOF with activity restriction (FOF-AR). Physical, psychosocial and
cognitive measures were obtained and gait characteristics were assessed using a
GAITRite((R)) mat during normal and dual task (cognitive) walking. After
adjusting for sociodemographics, physical, mental and cognitive health, FOF was
associated with reduced gait speed and stride length and increased double support
phase and step width in normal and dual task conditions; these changes were most
pronounced in those who restrict activities as a result of FOF. These gait
changes may be associated with an increased fall risk, however some changes
especially increased step width may also reflect positive, compensatory
adaptations to FOF. The results also highlight the importance of treating
underlying health impairments and preventing the transition from FOF to activity
restriction.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS