Citation

Portegijs E, Edgren J, Salpakoski A, Kallinen M, Rantanen T, Alén M, Kiviranta I, Sihvonen S, Sipilä S. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2012; 93(12): 2340-2346.

Affiliation

Gerontology Research Center and Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2012.05.022

PMID

22698990

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between balance confidence, a concept closely related to fear of falling, mobility and balance performance and perceived mobility limitation in older people following a fall-related hip fracture. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analyses of pre-trial data of two randomized controlled trials of physical rehabilitation (ISRCTN34271567; ISRCTN53680197). SETTING: University research center PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling people aged over 60 years, 6 weeks to 7.5 years after a fall-related hip fracture (N=130). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome was the self-reported Activity-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale. Assessments also included perceived ability to walk outdoors or climb one flight of stairs, and assessments of self-preferred walking speed, modified Timed Up-and-Go, and Berg Balance Scale. RESULTS: Higher ABC scores were related to better mobility and balance performance (R>0.47) and perceived mobility function (R>0.54). In univariate general linear models, all associations remained significant also after adjustment for age, gender, time since fracture, number of chronic diseases, and in addition either level of physical activity or muscle strength of the fractured leg. An ABC score<85 points identified those with mobility and balance limitation across measures. CONCLUSION: In people who have had a fall-related hip fracture, an independent relationship exists between balance confidence and mobility and balance performance as well as perceived mobility function. Since lack of balance confidence may compromise rehabilitation and recovery, the ABC scale may help to identify older hip fracture patients with mobility and balance limitation.

Language: en