Factors associated with balance confidence in older adults with health conditions affecting the balance and vestibular system
DOI
10.1016/j.apmr.2011.06.015
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
11-1-2011
Publication Title
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume
92
Issue
11
First Page
1884
Last Page
1891
ISSN
39993
Keywords
Accidental Falls, Aged, Postural Balance, Rehabilitation, Vestibular Disease
Abstract
Objective: To determine the functional, clinical, and comorbid health condition factors that contribute to balance confidence in persons with balance or vestibular disorders, or both. Design: Cross-sectional descriptive. Setting: Tertiary care center for balance disorders. Participants: Older adults (N=95) with signs and symptoms of vestibular dysfunction. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) was administered on examination for complaints of balance, postural instability, or both. Results: Balance confidence as measured by the ABC was associated with functional balance performance on the Timed Up & Go test and the Dynamic Gait Index. Duration of symptoms and general health-related quality of life (as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) were significant covariates of balance confidence. Self-reported treatment for anxiety, depression, or both, significantly reduced balance confidence. Conclusions: Balance confidence is a complex construct in older adults with signs and symptoms of balance or vestibular dysfunction, or both. Decreased balance confidence in performing functional activities is associated with actual balance performance, duration of vestibular symptoms, general health-related quality of life, and the presence of comorbid psychological and visual impairments. Understanding these relationships can potentially improve management of older adults who present with balance or vestibular disease, or both. © 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine.
Open Access
Green Accepted
Preprint
Repository Citation
Marchetti, G., Whitney, S., Redfern, M., & Furman, J. (2011). Factors associated with balance confidence in older adults with health conditions affecting the balance and vestibular system. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 92 (11), 1884-1891. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2011.06.015