@article{ref1,
title="Perceived balance, balance performance, and falls among community-dwelling older adults: a retrospective, cross-sectional study",
journal="Journal of aging and health",
year="2024",
author="Dolan, Hanne R. and Pohl, Janet and Pituch, Keenan and Coon, David W.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: To examine the extent to which older adults' perceived balance, a balance performance test, and fear of falling (FOF) were associated with falls in the last month. <br><br>METHODS: The Health Belief Model served as the theoretical framework. A retrospective, cross-sectional, secondary analysis using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study was conducted (N = 7499). <br><br>RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of reporting a fall in the past month were 3.3 times (p <.001) greater for participants who self-reported having a balance problem compared to those who did not. The Short Physical Performance Battery and FOF were not uniquely associated with falls. <br><br>DISCUSSION: Our findings support limited evidence suggesting that older adults' perceived balance is a better predictor of falls than balance performance. Assessing older adults' perceived balance may be a new way to assess older adults' fall risk to prevent future falls.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0898-2643",
doi="10.1177/08982643241242518",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/08982643241242518"
}