Effects of Fall Experience on the Relationship between Subjective Assessment of Walking and Objective Motor Assessment

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine whether experience of falls affects the relationship between subjective assessment of walking and objective motor assessment. [Participants and Methods] Sixty-three community-dwelling elderly aged over 65 years old were the participants. They were divided into a fall group (n=13) and a no-fall group (n=50). The Japanese version of the modified Gait Efficacy Scale (mGES), center of gravity sway, and the Timed up and go test (TUG) were evaluated. [Results] There was no association between mGES and the center of gravity sway, irrespective of fall experience. mGES and TUG showed a significant correlation in the no-fall group, but no significant association in the fall group. [Conclusion] The relationship between subjective and objective assessments of walking differed depending on the experience of falls.