Overestimation of Balance Ability Among Older Adults at Risk for Falls

• Published in: Journal of aging and health 2024-06, Vol.36 (5-6), p.286-298
• Main Authors: Ickert, Edmund C., Hughes, Tiffany, Berg-Carramusa, Cara A., Dudash, Shannon, Kerns, Lucy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Geriatric Assessment; Humans; Independent Living; Older people; Postural Balance; Walking
• ISSN: 0898-2643; 1552-6887
• DOI: 10.1177/08982643231186630

Objective: This study examined alignment of subjective balance confidence with Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries (STEADI) fall risk. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 155 community-dwelling adults (60 + y/o) from 2016 to 2018 who completed a STEADI fall assessment. Descriptive statistics, Chi-Square analysis, and biserial point correlations were applied. Results: Adults who overestimate balance confidence, 55.6% (n = 50) reported a fall in the past year, 62.2% (n = 56) were worried about falling, 48.9% (n = 44) felt unsteady when standing/walking, and 70.0% (n = 63) had a score of ≥4 on the Stay Independent Questionnaire (SIQ). Physical performance for these adults were mean TUG score 10.9s (SD = 3.4), mean 30 second chair stands 10.8 (SD = 3.5), and mean 4-stage balance score 3.1 (SD = .76). Discussion: Older adults are more likely to overestimate their subjective balance confidence. Individuals are equally likely to have reported a fall in the past year if they were “at fall risk,” regardless of their subjective balance confidence.