Importance of vibration sensitivity in fall risk evaluation -deterioration of vibration sense has no influence on fear of fall or activity-

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of vibration sense test in fall risk management. [Subjects] The subjects were 50 community-dwelling elderly persons. [Methods] We measured subjects' vibration sense, timed "up & go" test (TUG), knee extension strength, and fear of fall and activity. Subjects were then divided into a "fallers" group and a "non-fallers" group, and the measured values of the two groups were compared. We also examined whether fear of fall, activity or other measures were correlated with falls. [Results] The results for vibration sense, TUG and fear of fall of the non-fallers group were superior to those of the fallers group. Fear of fall and activity had a significant correlation with physical performance but not with vibration sense. [Conclusion] Vibration sense was not related to fear of fall and activity, suggesting vibration sense tests are useful for the fall risk evaluation of the elderly with high physical performance.