ASSOCIATION BETWEEN RISK OF FALL AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG THE ELDERLY POPULATION OF POLICE COLONY, PESHAWAR

Abstract

Introduction: Fall is considered as one of the major debilitating health problems in elder population. It can lead to functional decline, social interactions and can have serious consequences like fractures, soft tissue injuries or even death. Physically inactive persons or persons with stroke, gait instability, incontinence, muscle weakness and depression are at higher risk of experiencing a fall. This study was design to determine the relationship between risk of fall and physical activity in the elder population of police colony, Peshawar. Material & Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted on elderly people. Data was collected from 111 people in the Police Colony of Peshawar via non-probability convenience sampling technique. Patients were screened for eligibility criteria. Both male and females of age 60 and above were included in the study. Baseline characteristics were obtained from all the participants. Risk of fall was determined by using ‘’Fall Risk Questionnaire’’ and the level of physical activity was determined using ‘’Physical Activity Scale for the Elder’’ (PASE). Data was analysed using SPSS. Results: A total of 99 people were 60 to 75 years old while 12 patients were 80 to 95 years old. The male to female ratio was 59: 52 respectively. This study revealed that 67.6% elder were having low physical activity status and had a potential risk of fall 79.3%. As the level of activity increased the risk of fall reduced significantly(p=0.01). Conclusion: There is strong relation between risk of fall and physical activity. Increased physical activity reduces risk of fall.

Keywords

• elderly
• physical activity
• physical activity score for the elder
• risk of fall