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