Citation

Schott N, Tietjens M. J. Aging Phys. Act. 2019; 27(1): 53-60.

Affiliation

Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Muenster, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/japa.2017-0378

PMID

29543104

Abstract

Mobility restriction as a consequence of a fall is a major issue in assisted living facilities. Although many factors are related to falling, little is known about the relationship between falls, social support, falls efficacy, and physical activity. We examined the relationship between falls and the Social-Support-Questionnaire, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, and physical activity simultaneously in 81 older adults (66-94 years) using structural equation modeling (SEM). The SEM model revealed that being older was associated with lower falls efficacy and a higher number of falls. Similarly, a higher number of falls was related to lower social support, and higher falls efficacy to a higher number of steps per day. The development of a SEM illustrating the mediating effects of social support and falls efficacy on the relationship between falls and physical activity helps healthcare professionals in predicting risk factors of falls that can be compromised by residing in an assisted living facility.

Language: en

Keywords

mediation; mobility restrictions; path analysis; residential care