The fear of falling syndrome: Relationship to falls, physical performance, and activities of daily living in frail older persons

The relationship between fear of falling, past and future falls, physical performance, disability, and psychosocial factors in older men with impaired mobility was examined. This study shows that fear of falling is not limited to those with a history of falls, but rather is a prevalent syndrome among older persons with impaired mobility. Fear of falling is associated with diminished physical performance, increased disability, and greater depression, but is not necessarily predictive of future falls.