Effect of resistance training on physical performance and fear of falling in elderly with different levels of physical well-being

SIR—Several factors are involved in the maintenance of activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults. Skeletal muscle mass and strength are important factors for maintaining independence and quality of life in elderly. Several recent cross-sectional studies have shown the associations of muscle strength with physical fitness and disability [1, 2]. Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) is prevalent in older adults [3] and represents an impaired state of health with mobility disorders, increased risk of falls and fractures, impaired ability to perform ADL, disabilities and loss of independence [4–6]. Fear of falling is common in older adults. The prevalence varies from 21 to 85%, is higher in women than in men, and increases with age [7]. The risk factors of fear of falling are shown to be physical frailty [8], perception of poor health [9], obesity, cognitive impairment, depression, poor balance [10] and history of at least one fall [7].