Article

PURPOSE: To test a model of the path from Activity Limitation (postural
instability) to participation (morale), taking account of the influence of
psychological variables of appraisal, emotion and self-efficacy. Also to attempt
to define whether elderly people with fear of falling are fearful because they
are posturally unstable or because they are generally anxious. METHOD: Elderly
inpatients (n = 153, age: 67-95, 31% men) were assessed shortly before their
discharge home. They were invited to complete tests of postural stability and
questionnaires about consequences of falling, previous experience of falls,
subjective unsteadiness, emotional state, balance confidence, concern and fear
about falling and morale. Results were treated with Pearson correlations and
structural equation modelling. RESULTS: All variables related to morale, the
highest correlation being with anxiety and depression. However, there was no
direct path from postural instability to morale. Balance confidence and fear of
falling formed separate end points, neither affecting morale. CONCLUSIONS: Morale
alone is not an adequate outcome of rehabilitation. Increased balance confidence
and reduced fear of falling need to be addressed in their own right and assessed
independently of morale in elderly rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS