The pelvic girdle is the mechanical structure at the center of the balance and walking systems. The lack of amplitude of the joints that compose it could induce a fear of falling, common in the geriatric population and often underdiagnosed with poorly identified risk factors. This study seeks to highlight an association between fear of falling and lack of amplitude of the different joints of the pelvic girdle in order to identify predisposed patients and to set up preventive measures and better medical care.
The pelvic girdle is the mechanical structure at the center of the balance and walking systems. The lack of amplitude of the joints that compose it could induce a fear of falling, common in the geriatric population and often underdiagnosed with poorly identified risk factors. Fear of falling is defined as the enduring preoccupation with falling, leading the person to avoid activities that they are capable of doing. It modifies its behavior and affects its quality of life, its well-being and increases the risk of developing pathologies linked to the lack of physical activities. Joint stiffness is a major disorder in the elderly linked to bone and joint aging, but also to lack of mobilization. The pelvic girdle is the mechanical structure at the center of the balance and gait systems. The lack of amplitude of the joints that compose it could induce a fear of falling. This study seeks to highlight whether there is an association between the fear of falling and the lack of amplitude of the different joints of the pelvic girdle.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
EHPAD Brie Comte Robert
Brie-Comte-Robert, Île-de-France Region, France
Centre Hospitalier Melun
Melun, Île-de-France Region, France
Association between fear of falling and articular stiffness
The primary outcome is the association between joint stiffness and fear of falling: * Fear of falling assessed by FES-I (score). * Joint mobility assessed by Schober goniometry (degrees). * Joint mobility assessed by Schober index (centimeters).
Time frame: At inclusion
Validity of 3 FES-I categories based on anthropometric measurements
Using the Falls Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I) questionnaire. It is an improved version of the Fall Efficacy Scale (FES) proposed by Tinetti (18). The FES-I was developed by the Prevention of Falls Network Europe (ProFaNE) group. It is available on the ProFaNE website. The scale includes 16 items, each scored from 1 (not at all concerned) to 4 (very concerned), resulting in a total score range from 16 to 64. FES-I scores are typically categorized as follows: Low concern: 16-19 Moderate concern: 20-27 High concern: 28-64 Higher scores indicate a worse outcome, reflecting a greater fear of falling and decreased confidence in performing daily activities safely.
Time frame: At inclusion
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.