• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.1904-1919
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• 2015

This study was conducted to verify the effect of the fall prevention exercise program (FPEP). From 1st June to 14th July in 2014, 52 subjects above the age of 65 in 2 health clinics of A town, J city were randomly assigned to two groups(exercise 31, control 21). While exercise group performed FPEP twice a week for 6 weeks, control group received education only. The results showed significant difference between the two groups in the TUG of physical function(P=.032). There were no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the fear of falls, falls efficacy of mental functions. The result of ultrasound measurement of lower extremity muscles showed statistically significant differences between groups in the 7 items(RF CSA Contraction RF DIS Resting, TA Thickness Contraction, TA P-angle Contraction, GCM Thickness Resting, GCM Thickness Contraction, GCM P-angle Contraction)(p<.05). In conclusion, the FPEP is very effective in the prevention of falls.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.5-12
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate bone mineral density(BMD) and fear of falling and falls efficacy in the middle and old aged women over 50 years. Methods: The subjects consisted of 409 women. One-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlations and multiple regression were used to test the BMD, fear of falling and falls efficacy scale by using SPSSWIN 12.0. The BMD of the calcaneus were measured with peripheral dual energy x-ray absorptiometry(DEXA). Results: The average age was 63 years old and the average T-score was -3.21 in patient with osteoporosis, -1.72 with osteopenia, and .13 with normal. There were significant differences in the status of the BMD according to age(p=.000), height(p=.000), weight(p=.000), married status(p=.000), age of menarche(p=.002), and menopause(p=.002). The fear of falling was related with falls efficacy(r=-.247, p=.01), BMD(r=-.337, p=.01). Falls efficacy($\beta$=-.21, p=.000)and BMD($\beta$=-.26, p=.000) were predicting variables of fear of falling. The model explained 13% of the variance in fear of falling(F=27.38, p=.000). Conclusion: Fear of falling and falls efficacy were related with the bone mineral density. Falls efficacy and BMD may be useful for the predicting fear of falling for women in middle and old age. Further studies with assessment of fall-related risk-factors and a longitudinal study are necessary to assess with falls efficacy, and BMD with age.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.533-539
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• 2024

This study investigated the effects of two exercise programs, which include exercise methods to increase muscle strength, balance, and endurance, on the balance ability and fall efficacy of elderly people, and the differences in effects according to preference. Twenty-one elderly people were divided into a group using assistive devices using elastic bands (Experimental Group 1) and a group using the body (Experimental Group 2) and an exercise program was conducted for 4 weeks. The single leg stand (SLS) and functional reach test (FRT) were used to evaluate the elderly's balance ability, and the fall efficacy scale (FES) was used to evaluate the degree of fear of falling. A pre-evaluation was conducted after a 2-week integrated exercise program, and a post-evaluation was conducted after applying the exercise program for 4 weeks. In the study results, within-group SLS, FRT, and FES analyzes all showed statistically significant improvement in the post-assessment compared to the pre-assessment. However, there were no significant differences in the comparison between groups regarding exercise program and between groups according to preference. In conclusion, in order to increase the balance ability and fall efficacy of the elderly, an exercise program must be applied, and it is necessary to use a program that is easy to apply and includes exercise methods that the elderly can easily perform.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.253-263
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• 2020

Purpose : The purpose of this study was conducted to compare the fear of falling, self-efficacy and fall prevention behavior according to the fall experience of the elderly. Methods : The subjects of this study were 162 elderly in B metropolitan city. The data collection period was from September 10th to November 30th of 2018. The collected data was processed using SPSS 21.0 and was analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe's test. Results : The mean scores for fear of falling according to the fall experience and no fall experience of the elderly were 2.28±0.63 and 1.84±0.64 respectively and the results showed that fear of falling (t=4.26, p<.001) and self-efficacy of falling (t=3.88, p<.001) were significantly different between the two groups, but the mean scores for fall prevention behavior according to the fall experience and no fall experience of the elderly were 1.63±0.20 and 1.67±0.17 respectively and there was no significantly different in fall prevention behavior (t=-1.16, p=.25). Fear of falling according to the fall experience was significantly different by age (F=3.25, p<.05) and physical activity related to daily life (F=13.22, p<.001). Self-efficacy according to the fall experience was significantly different by age (F=3.03, p<.05), income per month (F=3.74, p<.05) and physical activity related to daily life (F=11.99, p<.001). But fall prevention behavior was no significantly different of general characteristics. Fear of falling according to the no fall experience was significantly different by age (F=3.37, p<.05), marriage status (F=3.37, p<.05), education level (F=5.15, p<.01), income per month (F=3.58, p<.05) and physical activity related to daily life (F=15.71, p<.001). Self-efficacy according to the no fall experience was significantly different by sex (t=2.32, p<.05), age (F=5.20, p<.01), marriage status (F=5.04, p<.01), education level (F=6.55, p<.001), income per month (F=5.99, p<.001) and physical activity related to daily life (F=18.86, p<.001). Fall prevention behavior was significantly different by marriage status (F=3.51, p<.05). Conclusion : The results of this study suggest the following : it is necessary to develop a program that can lower the fear of falling in the elderly and to increase the self-efficacy of falling, and to develop an education program that can improve the elderly's practice of fall prevention behavior regardless of the fall experience and to verify its effectiveness.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.41-47
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• 2023

This study was conducted to determine the effect of an exercise program applied to prevent musculoskeletal changes that occur due to aging on pain, muscle strength, balance ability, and falling efficacy in elderly women. An exercise program including quadriceps setting exercise, bridge exercise, resistance band exercise, and foam roller exercise was applied to elderly women aged 65 years or older once a week for 8 weeks. A visual analog scale was used to evaluate pain, muscle strength was evaluated using a digital muscle strength meter, balance ability was measured using the Berg balance scale, and fear of falling was evaluated using the fall efficacy scale. As a result of the study, compared to before the experiment, pain in the lower back and knee area was significantly reduced, the strength of the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus was significantly increased, and balance ability and falling efficacy were significantly improved. In conclusion, application of a program that includes various exercise methods has a positive effect on the physical activity of elderly women by strengthening the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, in order to prevent physical changes due to aging, an exercise program that includes various exercise methods that can strengthen the musculoskeletal system should be applied.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.90-98
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to provide basic data for preventing and managing sarcopenia by identifying the relationship between sarcopenia, malnutrition, and psychosocial factors among the elderly in the community. Methods: The study included 1,019 subjects aged 60 and over. "Possible sarcopenia" was defined by low handgrip strength with or without reduced physical performance. Nutrition was evaluated according to the mini nutrition assessment (MNA), and the psychosocial factors examined were self-efficacy, social isolation, fear of falling, and social capital (trust and participation). A logistic regression analysis was also performed on the relationship between risk of malnutrition, psychosocial factors, and sarcopenia. Results: MNA was significantly associated with social participation (OR = 1.747, p <0.001), fear of falling (OR = 2.905, p <0.001), and self-efficacy (high/low, OR = 0.654, p = 0.011). In model 3, which included both MNA and psychosocial factors, sarcopenia was significantly associated with MNA (OR = 2.529, p <0.001) and fear of falling (OR = 1.544, p = 0.045). Compared with the low self-efficacy group, the high group (OR = 0.589, p = 0.009) was significant. The factors related to possible sarcopenia include risk of malnutrition, fear of falls, and low self-efficacy. Conclusion: It will be necessary to improve self-efficacy so that individuals feel they can do activities of daily living themselves and to reduce their fear of falling through muscle strength and balance exercises. Finally, it is also necessary to increase regular participation in community social activities.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.344-352
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• 2009

Purpose: The study was to identify influencing factors on fear of falling in postmenopausal women. Methods: With a correlational survey design, 125 postmenopausal women were recruited at the D metropolitan city by a convenience sampling. Fracture risk status was assessed by bone mineral densities (BMD) at lumbar and femur with DEXA method. A structured study questionnaire was used to measure demographic variables, osteoporosis self-efficacy, and fear of falling. Results: Mean age of the subjects was 59 years old and duration since menopause was 9.55 years. Twenty six percent of the subjects belonged to osteoporotic group in fracture risk status. Mean score for fear of falling was 16.10 (SD=5.18) indicating low level, and osteoporosis self-efficacy for exercise and diet was 44.76 (SD=7.41), indicating mid-range level. Factors influencing the fear of falling was longer time since menopause ($\beta=.30$), lower score of osteoporosis self-efficacy for exercise ($\beta=-.26$), poor health perception status ($\beta=-.16$), and presence of chronic disease ($\beta=.16$), and the explained variance was 20%. Conclusion: Although the level of fear of falling was yet low in postmenopausal women, women who had lower self-efficacy of osteoporosis for exercise and poorer health perception felt greater fear of falling. Therefore, an educational program specific to improve osteoporosis self-efficacy and reduce the fear of falling is needed for improving postmenopausal women's psychosocial well-being.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.137-146
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of Tai Chi exercise program on arthritic pain, difficulties in performing activities of daily living, and fear of falling in women with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Method: A quasi-experimental design with two intervention groups was used. According to the inclusion criteria, 35 women with OA and 22 with RA were recruited and participated in the Tai Chi for arthritis program for 12 weeks. In 12 weeks, 21 in the OA group and 15 in the RA group completed both pretest and posttest measures. Outcome variables consisted of pain, difficulties in performing activities of daily living, and fear of falling for both groups. Results: The women with OA (64 years) were significantly older and perceived better health than those with RA (49 years) with more than 6 years of diagnosis. The pain scores and the performance of activities of daily living were significantly improved in the OA group at the completion of 12 week Tai Chi exercise, but RA group decreased pain only. The improvements in pain and activities of daily living were significantly more in women with OA than those with RA. No significant changes were found in fear of falling for both groups. Conclusion: The 12 week Tai Chi exercise was more effective on pain and activities of daily living for women with OA than those with RA. Considering that the women with RA perceived more pain and had limited activities of daily living, Tai Chi exercise should be applied slowly and gradually for longer period of time than those with OA.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.266-275
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• 2015

Purpose: The objective of this study was to verify the effects of elastic-band exercise on pain, range of motion, and fear of falling in patients with total knee replacement. Methods: The study design was a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized quasi-experimental design. Data were collected from December 10, 2014 to January 10, 2015 in an orthopedic specialty hospital located in the C city. Forty-eight patients participated in the study, and each twenty-four were assigned to the experimental group and the control group. The elastic-band exercise was used with the experimental group for 10 days. The numeric rating scale was used to measure pain, goniometer to measure range of motion, and a questionnaire to measure fear of falling. The data were analyzed using $x^2-test$, Fisher's exact, t-test and paired t-test. Results: Compared to the control group, pain in the experimental group decreased (t=-2.89, p=.006), range of motion increased (t=2.98, p=.005), and fear of falling decreased (t=-4.63 p<.001). Conclusion: The elastic-band exercise for total knee replacement patients is considered to be an effective nursing intervention to decrease pain and fear of falling, and to increase range of motion.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.105-113
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this case study was to examine the effects of an intervention based on the concept of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the weight-supporting ability, fear of falling, and stair-walking ability of stroke patients. Methods: One pretest, three intervention sessions, and one posttest were conducted. In the tests, weight-supporting ability, manual muscle strength, the fear of falling, and the time to go up and down a 'ㄱ'-shaped stair-walking machine were measured and compared. The intervention was implemented for 30 minutes per day for three days in combination with general rehabilitation. The intervention was planned and implemented based on the concept of PNF, and the goal was for the subjects, after their consent, to walk backward down the stairs. Results: After the intervention, functional improvement was seen in weight-supporting ability and the fear of falling felt when walking down the stairs. Whereas the subjects could not perform the task of walking down the stairs on the 'ㄱ'-shaped stair-walking machine in the pretest, they could perform the task in the posttest, and their stair-climbing speed was greater than before the intervention. Conclusion: This study verified that a PNF-based intervention can improve stroke patients' weight-supporting ability and stair-walking ability. Therefore, this intervention can be clinically applied to stroke patients.