Original Research Article
Year: 2023 | Month: July | Volume: 13 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 71-77
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20230712
Physical Activity and Fear of Falling: A Comparative Analysis of Geriatric Population with and without Diabetes
Dr. Kathan Rajendra Bhavsar1, Dr. Gira Thakrar2
11st Year MPT Student, 2PhD, Senior Lecturer;
JG College of Physiotherapy, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Kathan Rajendra Bhavsar
ABSTRACT
Background and Need for Research: Human aging involves progressive decline in various functions of our body such as Physical, Cardiovascular and Neurological functions. People with Diabetes Mellitus tend to be inactive as compared to the general population with a great number of people not achieving minimum level of required physical activity. It is evident that poor muscle strength affects the ability of motor function and thus increases the fear of fall in older adults. So, the objective of this study is to compare the physical activity and fear of fall in older adult with and without Diabetes.
Methods: An Observational Study was conducted in the Old Age Homes of Ahmedabad City. Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE) and Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) were filled by 100 people (50 with and 50 without diabetes) between the age group of 60-80 years. Ethical approval has been taken.
Result: SPSS Version 29 Software was used for Data Analysis. Mann Whitney U test was used to compare physical activity (PA) and fear of fall (FOF) in geriatric population. The result for Physical activity and Fear of Fall with and without Diabetes was significant with P value of p=0.029 and p=0.008 respectively.
Conclusion: The study revealed that in the geriatric population, participants with diabetes exhibited lower levels of physical activity compared to those without diabetes. Additionally, individuals with diabetes reported higher levels of fear related to falling.
Clinical Implications: Chair Aerobics, Physical Fitness and Balance Training.
Key words: Physical Activity, Fear of Fall, Diabetes