Fear of Falling and Static and Dynamic Balance in Elderly with Type 2 Diabetes: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Falling and fear of falling, especially in the elderly with diabetes, is a common problem. It is highly important to identify people at risk. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the fear of falling and static and dynamic balance in the elderly with type II diabetes.

In this analytical cross-sectional study, 134 elderly people with type II diabetes were selected. The fear of falling was examined using the Falls Efficiency Scale International, and based on that, patients were divided into two groups, namely with and without fear of falling. Single leg standing and Narrow Path Walking tests were performed for each of the samples in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22).

Out of 134 elderly people with diabetes, 26.1% had a history of falling, 70.9% suffered from neuropathy, and 51.5% had experienced fear of falling. Static and dynamic balance tests showed a significant difference in the groups with and without fear of falling (P<0.001). It means that the results of balance tests were poorer in the group with the fear of falling than in the group without the fear of falling.

The results showed that static and dynamic balance was significantly weaker in the elderly who had the fear of falling. It is suggested that in addition to psychological counseling for the elderly with diabetes who have the fear of falling, physical and balance exercises be planned and implemented for them.