Comparison of Upper Limb Strength and Fear of Falling among Older Adults with Repeated Falls, One-Time Fall, and Non-Fall Groups

Background: One of the leading causes of death and a big financial strain on the healthcare and economic systems is falls. A weak grasp indicates a compromised function. This study aims to analyze the upper limb strength and fear of falling between the repeated fall group, one-time fall group, and non-fall group of the older adults receiving physiotherapy treatment. Method: 50 older adults’ patients who receiving physiotherapy gathered from Klang Valley for data collection. The participants performed handgrip strength (JAMAR dynamometer) and Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (Short FES-I) questionnaire. Results: The mean grip strength for male is 25 kg while female has mean of 17.95 kg. Most of the participants had repeated fall and exhibit high fear of fall. Conclusion: This study suggests that hand grip strength contributed to risk of fall and fear of falling among geriatric population in Malaysia.