Fear of Falling
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
- 1 March 2002
- journal article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal
- Vol. 82 (3) , 264-272
- https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/82.3.264
Abstract
Since the identification of the post-fall syndrome1 and use of the term “ptophobia” (the phobic reaction to standing or walking)2 in the early 1980s, fear of falling (FOF) has gained recognition as a health problem of older adults. In an attempt to measure this entity, various definitions have evolved. Tinetti and Powell3 described FOF as an ongoing concern about falling that ultimately limits the performance of daily activities. Other authors4,5 have referred to FOF as a patient's loss of confidence in his or her balance abilities. Still other authors6 defined FOF as a general concept that described low fall-related efficacy (low confidence at avoiding falls) and being afraid of falling. Subjects in one study7 indicated they did not describe themselves as being “afraid of falling,” but rather were “worried” about falling.Keywords
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