EVALUATION OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FALL RISK AND BALANCE PERFORMANCE IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER INDIVIDUALS
1Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Audiology, Ankara, Türkiye Objective: To investigate the effects of aging on fear of falling and fall risk, and to examine the relationship between fall risk and balance performance across different age groups and genders.Methods: A total of 75 participants (31 men and 44 women) were divided into three age groups: 45-54, 55-64, and ≥65 years. Balance and fall risk were assessed using dynamic tests (Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale), static tests (Modified Romberg Test, One-Leg Stance Test), and the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Group comparisons and correlation analyses were conducted.
Results: No significant differences were observed in FES-I, Functional Reach, and One-Leg Stance scores among the groups. However, Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go Test scores differed significantly between younger and older participants (p < 0.05). Women reported higher FES-I scores, whereas men had better performance in dynamic balance tests. The strongest correlation was identified between the Berg Balance Scale and the Functional Reach Test (π = 0.627).
Conclusion: Age-related changes negatively affect dynamic balance and are associated with increased fear of falling. Gender-based differences were observed, and the findings suggest a strong interrelationship between fear of falling, balance, and mobility. Early and multidimensional assessment approaches are essential to reduce fall risk and support independent aging.
Keywords : Balance; Fear of falling; Risk of falling; Aging