Introduction: The current study aims to investigate the relationship between fear of falling, knee joint proprioception, and physical activity level in elderly with the Fullerton Advanced Balance test.
Method: This study was a correlational research and 57 healthy elderly men were selected through available sampling method in Rasht city in 2016. Data has been gathered by using Fullerton Advanced Balance test (FAB) for measuring balance, a Beack questionnaire for measuring physical activity level, Questionnaire falling efficiency and Scale-International (FES-I) for measuring the fear of falling. Maximum isometric force muscle group in lower limb was measured by using Hand Dynamometer device, and muscle range of motion and knee-joint proprioception by using electro-goniometer device. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistics by SPSS version 16 software.
Results: Results revealed a negative meaningful correlation between fear of falling and error of knee joint proprioception using Fullerton Advanced Balance test (P≤ 0.001). Moreover, the findings presented a positive, meaningful correlation between physical activity level, hamstring muscular power and Quadriceps muscle, Knee flexion and extension range of motion, plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of ankle by using Fullerton Advanced Balance test (P≤0.001).
Conclusion: Fullerton Advanced Balance test is a favorable clinical instrument which bears a high correlation with the factors of imbalance such as fear of falling, proprioception, muscular power, and range of motion. Nevertheless, more study and research is required to investigate the relationship between the psychoanalytical characteristics of Fullerton Advanced Balance scale and the effective variables in the balance and falling of the elderly.