Common balance measures and fall risk scores among older adults in Pakistan: Normative values and correlation

Furqan Ahmed Siddiqi; Tahir Masood; Muhammad Osama; Ehab Azim; Muhammad Naveed Babur

Abstract:

The objective of this study was to assess the balance and fall risk among the community dwelling healthy older adults in Pakistan and to determine the correlation between balance measures and fall risk, for which a crosssectional correlation study was conducted at Foundation University Islamabad and Fauji Foundation Hospital from March 2016 to February 2017. A total of 77 individuals over 50 years were included via convenience sampling. Individuals with hearing/visual and cognitive impairments, infections, and orthopaedic and severe comorbid conditions were excluded. Data collection tools included Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Fall Risk Score (FRS). Independent t-test and Bivariate Pearson Correlation (CI=95%, P<0.05) were used for analysis. Mean value of the BBS, FRS, TUG and FRT was 41.36±2.96, 3.40±1.47, 15.90±2.68 and 13.34±3.45 respectively. Age had a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation with FRS and negative correlation with BBS. A significant correlation (P<0.05) was found only between FRT & TUG and TUG & BBS.

research from:

• Foundation University Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences

Year:

2019

Type of Publication:

Article

Journal:

Journal Of Pakistan Medical Association

Volume:

69

Number:

2

Pages:

246-249

Month:

2