EFFECT OF FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM ON CONFIDENCE IN ELDERLY PATIENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67772/pjvq7749Keywords:
Fall Prevention, Elderly, Confidence, Fear of Falling, Balance, Functional MobilityAbstract
Background: Falls among elderly individuals are a major public health concern, leading to physical injury, reduced confidence, and decreased functional independence. Fear of falling significantly restricts daily activities and negatively impacts quality of life.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of a structured fall prevention program on confidence in elderly individuals.
Methods: An experimental pre–post study was conducted on 30 elderly participants aged ≥60 years selected through convenient sampling. Participants underwent a structured fall prevention program comprising balance training, strengthening exercises, gait training, and functional activities for 6 weeks (5 sessions/week). Outcome measures included Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 30. Paired t-test was used to compare pre- and post-intervention scores, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Significant improvements were observed in all outcome measures following the intervention. FES scores improved from 60.20 ± 5.10 to 80.40 ± 4.85, BBS scores increased from 38.20 ± 4.50 to 49.10 ± 3.90, and TUG time decreased from 18.50 ± 2.80 seconds to 12.20 ± 2.10 seconds (p < 0.001 for all), indicating enhanced confidence, balance, and functional mobility.
Conclusion: The structured fall prevention program was effective in improving both psychological (confidence) and physical (balance and mobility) outcomes in elderly individuals. These findings support the inclusion of multicomponent physiotherapy interventions in fall prevention strategies for geriatric populations.
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