|
Association of Functional Balance and Ankle Muscle Strength with Fall History Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
|
Safoora Sabbaghian Rad   , Fereshteh Kazemi Pakdel * , Ahmad Kazemi Pakdel , Mostafa Pourkiani |
| University of Guilan |
|
|
Abstract: (13 Views) |
Introduction: Falls are a major public health concern among older adults, with severe physical and psychological consequences. While balance and ankle muscle strength are recognized as critical factors in fall risk, their combined role in fall history among community-dwelling older adults remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of functional balance and ankle muscle strength with fall history.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 196 community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 70.8 ± 5.1 years; 50% male) in Iran. Functional balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale and the Functional Reach Test. Isometric ankle muscle strength (plantarflexion and dorsiflexion) was measured bilaterally using a handheld dynamometer. Fall history was obtained through self-report over the preceding 12 months. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and binary logistic regression.
Results: Older adults with a history of falls demonstrated significantly poorer functional balance (BBS: 44.7 ± 4.2 vs. 51.8 ± 3.1; p < 0.001) and lower right ankle plantarflexor strength (36.5 ± 9.1 N vs. 45.3 ± 8.5 N; p < 0.001) compared to non-fallers. Binary logistic regression revealed that functional balance was the strongest independent correlate of fall history (OR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.78–0.92; p < 0.001), followed by right ankle plantarflexor strength (OR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.91–0.98; p = 0.003). However, left ankle plantarflexor strength and dorsiflexor strength did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusion: Functional balance and ankle plantarflexor strength are significant independent correlates of fall history in community-dwelling older adults, with functional balance emerging as the strongest correlate. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive balance and ankle strength assessments in fall risk screening and targeted rehabilitation programs. |
|
| Keywords: Accidental Falls, Postural Balance, Muscle Strength, Aged, Cross-Sectional Studies. |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 313 kb]
(7 Downloads)
|
Type of Study: Original research |
Subject:
elderly physical issues
Received: 2026/10/28 | Accepted: 2026/10/2 | Published: 2026/10/2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
