ASSOCIATION OF FEAR OF FALL WITH LOWER LIMB STRENGTH AMONG ELDERLY

Abstract

Background: The elderly population in Asia is growing, with projections indicating that 24% of the population will be 60 or older  by 2050. Falls lead to severe physical, social, and psychological stress. Fear of fall affects balance and mobility leading to lower activity levels. This reduced engagement in activity of daily living may lead to reduced lower limb strength. Objective: Determine association between fear of fall and lower limb strength among elderly. Methodology: This cross sectional survey was conducted on 377 elderly, both male and female above 0 years of age. Elders with neurological deficit and history of fall in less than 6 months were excluded from study. FES was used to asses fear of fall and lower limb strength was measured through Sphygmomanometer. Results: Male showed higher mean quadricep strength (38.02) and hamstring strength (32.92) compared to females. Male reported moderate concern of fear of falling while 46.3% reported high fear of fall. There was significant association between quadricep strength and fear of falling in both male and females. (p<0.001). While significant association between hamstring strength and fear of falling was observed only in female. Conclusion: The study concluded that lower limb strength and fear of falling has significant relation among elderly.