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Fear of falling and activities of daily living function: mediation effect of dual-task ability |
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| Authors: | Paolo R Brustio Massimiliano Zecca Monica E Liubicich Emanuela Rabaglietti |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Psychology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy;2. National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), Loughborough, UK;3. Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK;4. SUISM, Centro Servizi, University of Torino, Torino, Italy;5. SUISM, Centro Servizi, University of Torino, Torino, Italy |
| Abstract: | Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the association between fear of falling (FOF), dual-task ability during a mobility task, and the activities of daily living (ADL) in a sample of older adults. Methods: Seventy-six older adults (mean age M = 70.87 ± 5.16 years) participated in the study. Data on FOF (using the Falls Self-Efficacy Scale-International), walking ability during both single- and dual-task performances and ADL were collected. Results: Mediation analysis demonstrated the mediation effect of dual-task ability (β = 0.238, p = 0.011) between FOF and ADL level (β = 0.559, p < 0.001). Moreover, significantly lower performances were observed during dual-task condition F (2, 73) = 7.386, p < 0.001], and lower ADL levels were also found in older adults with FOF F (2, 73) = 13.734, p < 0.001]. Conclusion: The study underlines the relationship between FOF, dual-task ability and ADL level. These results could be used to develop specific intervention programmes for successful ageing. |
| Keywords: | Dual task fear of falling ADL ageing |