A comparative study between self-perception of walking ability, balance and risk of fall with actual clinical assessment
Gait and balance disorder are among the most common causes of falls in elderly and often lead to injury, disability and loss of independence. However, there might be a discrepancy between elderly’s perception of their own walking ability, balance, risk of fall with doctor’s evaluation. The aim...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2018
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/20614/1/13_ms420_pdf_79044.pdf http://journalarticle.ukm.my/20614/ https://www.medicineandhealthukm.com/toc/13/2 |
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| Institution: | Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia |
| Language: | English |
| Summary: | Gait and balance disorder are among the most common causes of falls in
elderly and often lead to injury, disability and loss of independence. However,
there might be a discrepancy between elderly’s perception of their own walking
ability, balance, risk of fall with doctor’s evaluation. The aim of this study was to
compare perception of the elderly’s walking ability, balance and risk of fall with
clinical assessment. This cross sectional study was done in a Primary Care Clinic
which involved elderly > 60 years using systematic random sampling. Participants
completed a self-administered questionnaire comprising of sociodemographic
data and question assessing their perception of ability of walking, balance and risk
of fall. Actual clinical assessment was done using Tinetti Performance Oriented
Mobility Assessment. Most of the participants perceived they had good walking
(84.4%) and balance ability (77%). A small proportion (11.5%) agreed that they are
at risk of fall. There was a good agreement in walking ability (k: 0.702, p: <0.001),
moderate agreement in balance (k: 0.546, p: <0.001) but poor agreement in the
risk of fall (k: 0.300, p: <0.001). Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that
factors associated with participant’s perception of risk of fall are age, having stroke
and taking psychotropic drugs. A discrepancy is observed between self-perception
of balance and risk of fall with actual assessment. Advancing age, history of stroke
and psychotropic drugs were significantly associated with increased perception of
fall risk. The future intervention programme need to focus on creating awareness
particularly among those who have these factors. |
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