Fear of falls is associated with fear of COVID-19 in older adults

Thaís M. Batagliotti; Renato Moraes

doi:10.20338/bjmb.v17i1.348

Fear of falls is associated with fear of COVID-19 in older adults

Authors

Thaís M. Batagliotti Biomechanics and Motor Control Lab, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Renato Moraes Biomechanics and Motor Control Lab, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil - renatomoraes@usp.br https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8029-8334

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20338/bjmb.v17i1.348

Keywords:

SARS-CoV-2, Fear, Older people, Balance, Falls

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Individuals with a perception of their fragile health can potentiate the fear of COVID-19.

AIM: We investigated the relationship between perceived functional capacity and fear of falls with fear of COVID-19 in older adults.

METHOD: Thirty older adults (60-75 years) participated in this study. We applied two questionnaires to assess functional capacity: the Independence in Activities of Daily Living and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. We also administered two questionnaires for fear of falling: the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale and Falls Efficacy Scale International. Finally, we used the Fear of COVID-19 Scale.

RESULTS: The results showed a significant correlation between fear of COVID-19 and the ABC Scale (r = -0.548, p = 0.002) and FES-I (r = 0.466; p = 0.009). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the ABS Scale was the only predictor of fear of COVID-19 (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION: Fear of COVID-19 was related to a worsening perception of functional balance and fear of falls in older adults, suggesting a greater vulnerability for those more afraid of falls.

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Published

2023-04-10

How to Cite

Batagliotti, T. M., & Moraes, R. (2023). Fear of falls is associated with fear of COVID-19 in older adults. Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior, 17(1), 25–31. https://doi.org/10.20338/bjmb.v17i1.348

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Issue

Vol. 17 No. 1 (2023)

Section

Research Articles

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