Factors Influencing Activities-specific Balance Confidence in Community-dwelling Old Adults

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify factors influencing activities-specific balance confidence in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This is secondary analysis of data from an intervention study for improving cognitive function. The data were collected from March 2 to September 30, 2017 at a senior center. Data of 131 older adults were included for this secondary analysis, and were analyzed by using t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression. RESULTS: The mean score of activities-specific balance confidence is 65.08 out of a possible range of 0–100. The significant factors affecting activities-specific balance confidence among old adults include ‘more than 85 years old’, ‘waist circumference’, ‘depressive symptoms’, ‘activity restriction due to fear of falling’, and ‘self-rated health’ which explained 52.8% of the variance. CONCLUSION: The study results indicate that psychologic factors as well as physical condition should be considered for interventions to increase activities-specific balance confidence.