Effectiveness of an Intervention to Reduce the Fear of Falling in Elderly Persons Living in the Community

Abstract

Objective: Falling and the fear of falling are interrelated, with each being a risk factor of the other. This study is an attempt to analyze the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce the fear of falling and its consequences, since treatments of this type have demonstrated satisfactory results. Method: A quasi-experimental study with pre-post measurements was used to evaluate 53 subjects between the ages of 65 and 89 who had suffered a prior fall. The sample was divided into a control group and a treatment group. The latter was subject to treatment featuring a combination of exercises and health education to prevent falling. Results: The results obtained with respect to quality of life were significant for health, balance and fear of falling, with the treatment group showing progress. Conclusion: The application of interventions to reduce the fear of falling in the elderly population is proposed as a treatment with a twofold effect, not only on reducing fear itself, but also – given the association that exists - on reducing the potential for falling through repetition.