Korean J Rehabil Nurs.  2004 Jun;7(1):48-57.

Physical Function and Psychological Status in the Elderly those who Experienced a Fall or not

• Chang CM
• Kang HS

Abstract

INTRODUTION: The purposes of this study was to examine physical function and psychological status in the elderly caused by a fall. METHOD: The study was designed as a descriptive survey. Its subjects consisted of the 299 elderly over 65 years. Collected data were analyzed by the SPSS 10.0 program package.
RESULTS
The result of this study are as follows : 1) The score for ADL was significantly lower in the fall group. 2) Grip strength was significantly lower in the fall group. 3) Lapse of the motion sitting and standing was significantly longer in the fall group. 4) One-leg-standing time with the eyes open and closed was significantly shorter in the fall group. 5) Return time of 3m walk was significantly longer in the fall group. 6) The score for dizziness was significantly higher in the fall group. 7) The score for fear for a fall and depression were significantly higher in the fall group. 8) Thescore for falls efficacy was significantly lower in the fall group.
CONCLUSION
ADL, muscle strength, balance, dizziness, fear for a fall, falls efficacy and depression turned out to be closely related to the fall of the elderly. Therefore, it would be required to develop and applicate the fall prevention program regarding these above risk factors.

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Aged*
Depression
Dizziness
Hand Strength
Humans
Muscle Strength
Risk Factors