Analysis of the Influence of Fear of Fall on the Score of Berg Balance Scale among the Elderly Population

Background: Fear of fall felt by the elderly population even in the absence of incidence of fall can affect their mobility. It can also expected to affect the scoring of Berg Balance Scale. This study is done to analyse this impact of fear of fall on score of Berg Balance Scale.

Method: 50 elderly individual in the age range of 65 to 74 years were recruited. Tinetti Fall Efficacy scale was administered to quantify the fear of fall in them. Berg Balance Scale was administered. Confidence to do the Berg Balance Scale was measured with Visual Analogue Scale. Counseling and placebo exercise training was given to improve their ability to perform ADL and Berg Balance Scale. Pre and Post counseling with training data was analysed. Correlation between scores of Tinetti Fall Efficacy scale and Berg Balance Scale was identified.

Results: Higher level of correlation was found between Tinetti Fall Efficacy and Berg Balance Scale. There was a significant change found the in the scores of both the scales with counseling and placebo training.

Conclusion: Fear of fall has to be considered while measuring balance with Berg Balance Scale and counseling prior to evaluation will improve the quality of the measurement.