Turkish Journal of Geriatrics 2010 , Vol 13, Issue 2
FALL RISK AND PHYSICAL FITNESS IN THE ELDERLY WITH FALL RELATED CONDITIONS OR UNRELATED DISEASES
AyÅŸe TORAMAN1, Necmiye ÃœN YILDIRIM2
1Özel Çağlar Rehabilitasyon Merkezi KOCAELİ
2Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Anabilim Dalı BOLU
Introduction: The purpose of the study was to compare fall risks and physical fitness levels in the elderly with fall related conditions or unrelated diseases.

Materials and Method: The study includes 60 people with a mean age of 73.28±6.63 years. They were categorized in three groups according to their conditions. Their demographic characteristics, cognitive functions, balance, fall risk and physical fitness levels were examined. A survey was conducted to determine the demographic features of the elderly. The participants' cognitive function was assessed using Mini Mental State Test; fall risk by Berg balance test; balance by standing on one foot test, and physical fitness by Senior Fitness Test.

Results: The Berg balance test, standing on one foot test and two minute step test results of the subjects who had a fall related condition were lower than that of those without any disease (p<0.05). Furthermore, the results of ‘8-foot up-and-go test' in subjects who did not have any disease were better (in terms of performing the test within the preset duration) than that of those who had a fall related condition (p<0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, in the elderly with fall related conditions, agility, balance, endurance and muscle strength were found to be decreased. Keywords : Elderly; Fall risk; Physical fitness; Disease