Relationship between fear of falling, body type and postural control in community-dwelling elderly women

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between fear of falling (FOF), body type and postural control. [Subjects] Seventy-one elderly females participated in this study. [Methods] Participants received a questionnaire about falls and a stabilometry test. The questionnaire inquired about degree of FOF, history or incidence of falls, and body pain. [Results] FOF did not differ due to experience of fall or fall incidents, but obese participants had a significantly greater FOF. A significant correlation was found between locus length per time (LNG/T) of center of pressure with eyes open and FOF. In multiple regression analysis, LNG/T of both eyes open and closed were determined to be related factors. [Conclusion] Experience of fall does not necessarily affect FOF. However, FOF may be affected by LNG / T or obesity.