Participation Restriction, Not Fear of Falling, Predicts Actual Balance and Mobility Abilities in Rural Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

The relationship between self-reported participation restriction and objectively measured balance and mobility abilities is stronger than the relationship between self-reported FOF and objectively measured balance and mobility abilities. These findings lend support to the argument that participation restriction may be the critical mediating factor between FOF, balance and mobility limitations, and fall risk. Evaluation of and intervention for FOF and fall risk without direct and specific attention to participation restriction may not yield optimal results. Older adults whose goals include both reduction in fall risk and increase in participation level may need combined treatment approaches.