Citation

Bryant MS, Rintala DH, Hou JG, Protas EJ. J. Aging Phys. Act. 2014; 23(2): 187-193.

Affiliation

Research Service, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/japa.2013-0244

PMID

24700259

Abstract

AIM: To investigate the relationships between falls, fear of falling and activity limitations in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). DESIGN/METHODS: Cross-sectional study of individuals with mild to moderate PD (N=83). Associations among demographic data, fall frequency, disease severity, motor impairment, ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Activities Balance Confidence Scale, Iowa Fatigue Scale, Co-morbidity Index, and Physical Activity Scale for Elders were studied.

RESULTS: Frequent fallers had more ADL limitations than non-fallers (p <.001) and rare fallers (p=.004). Frequent fallers reported a lower percentage of ability to perform ADL than non-fallers (p=.003). Frequent fallers and rare fallers were less physically active than non-fallers (p=.015 and p=.040, respectively). Frequent fallers and rare fallers reported a higher level of fear of falling than non-fallers (p=.031 and p=.009, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Falls and fear of falling were associated with more ADL limitations and less physical activity after adjusting for physical impairments.

Language: en