• Rawan M Alosaimi, Noura R Almegbas, Gamar R Almutairi, Maha A Alqahtani, Saleh G Batook, Ibrahim A Alfageh, Shuruq F Alanazi, Mohammed M Alshehri, Ahmed S Alhowimel, Bader A Alqahtani, and Aqeel M Alenazi.
• Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia.
• Ir J Med Sci. 2023 Oct 1; 192 (5): 253325402533-2540.

BackgroundLimited evidence has examined the association between balance and mobility measures with risk of fall.AimTo determine the prevalence and balance measures associated with falls and fear of falling among community adults aged 50 years and older.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 50 years, living in Saudi Arabia. The participants were asked to report any history of falls in the past 12 months and fear of falling using the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I). Balance/mobility measures included the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Functional Reach Test (FRT), 10-m walk test (10-MWT), 6-min walk test (6-MWT), and Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5XSST).ResultsTwo hundred and six participants, including 96 women, were included. The prevalence of falls was 12.6%, and the 5XSST was the only balance measure significantly associated with falls (OR 1.17, 95% CI [1.03, 1.33], p = 0.019) with a cutoff score of 13.93 s or more, a sensitivity of 0.73, and a specificity of 0.58. An increase in 5XSST time was associated with an increase in FES-I score, while a decrease in other balance measures (10-MWT, TUG, FRT, and 6-MWT) was associated with an increase in FES-I scores.ConclusionAdults living in Saudi Arabia had a low prevalence of falls. The 5XSST was the only significant balance/mobility measure that distinguished fallers from non-fallers.© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.

15 keywords...

hide…