Effects of fear of falling and activity restriction on normal and dual task walking in community dwelling older adults

Donoghue, Orna A, Cronin, Hilary, Savva, George, O'Regan, Claire and Kenny, Rose Anne (2013) Effects of fear of falling and activity restriction on normal and dual task walking in community dwelling older adults. Gait & Posture, 38 (1). pp. 120-124.

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Abstract

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(®) 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.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Faculty \ School:
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health in Later Life (former - to 2017) Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Norwich Epidemiology Centre Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Norwich Epidemiology Centre
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	18 Sep 2013 14:13
Last Modified:	03 Dec 2023 01:59
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/43317
DOI:	10.1016/j.gaitpost.2012.10.023

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