Gait profile score identifies changes in gait kinematics in nonfaller, faller and recurrent faller older adults women

Functional task kinematics in older adults: The role of fear of falling and fall history as measured by themovement deviation profile

BACKGROUND

Most falls at home of older adults occur during activities of daily living, with fear of falling (FOF) heightening the risk.

RESEARCH QUESTION

How does the fear of falling influence the kinematics of functional tasks in faller and non-faller older people?

METHODS

A total of 68 participants aged 60 and older were divided into four groups: NF-lowFOF (non-faller with low fear, control group), NF-highFOF (non-faller with high fear), F-lowFOF (faller with low fear), and F-highFOF (faller with high fear), with 17 individuals in each group. The three-dimensional kinematics data were analyzed using a single number gait deviation index, the mean Movement Deviation Profile (MDPmean), to identify which task and group had the greatest difference by comparing the Z-scores of the MDPmean. Multivariate analysis and Bonferroni post hoc tests (p < 0.05) were employed to analyze group interactions.

RESULTS

Significant differences in kinematics were observed across all functional tasks. The largest effect size between the control group and the other groups for each functional task were descending and ascending stairs, sitting to stand, walking turn and gait in F-highFOF, and standing to sit in F-lowFOF. The time to perform each task didn't differ between the groups.

SIGNIFICANCE

FOF (whether high or low) can significantly impact the kinematics of functional tasks in both faller and non-faller older adults. Therefore, assessing FOF in this population is crucial to prevent falls and promote rehabilitation, especially in non-faller older adults with high FOF.