What Is the Relation Between Fear of Falling and Physical Activity in Older Adults?

Abstract Objective To describe the association between fear of falling (FOF) and total daily activity in older adults. Design Cross-sectional observational study. Setting Ambulatory clinical research training center. Participants Community-dwelling older adults aged ≥64 years (N=78), who were independent in ambulation with or without an assistive device. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures FOF was defined by self-reported fear ratings using the Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly and self-reported fear status determined by response to the following question: Are you afraid of falling? Physical function was assessed using the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument. Physical activity was recorded using an accelerometer worn on the waist for 7 consecutive days, and mean daily counts of activity per minute were averaged over the 7-day period. Results Fear ratings were related to total daily activity ( r =−.26, P =.02). The relation was not as strong as the relation of function and physical activity ( r =.45, P