Experiencing a fall may lead to fear of falling and a decline in an elder's quality of life, including becoming housebound and/or depressed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a fall prevention program on mood state, fear of falling and walking ability.
Subjects were participants in a fall prevention program at a general hospital. Persons who could not read, write or understand a questionnaire or who experienced an event that could influence their mood were excluded. They were assessed for psychological status (Profile of Mood States, POMS), Fall-related Self-Efficacy (F-SE) and walking ability at the beginning and at the end of the program. Assessment showed changes in the POMS at the end of the program. Scores decreased significantly for depression, fatigue, confusion, and total mood disturbance and improved significantly for vigor. No differences in the F-SE were found between the initial assessment and that at the end of the program. With regard to walking ability, there was improvement in 10 m walking time and Rt maximum length of step.
In summary, the fall prevention program improved psychological QOL as well as walking ability.
