Anadolu Kliniği Tıp Bilimleri Dergisi, vol.24, no.3, pp.170-176, 2019 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
Aim: In this study, we aimed to compare physical parameters, functional performance, and life
quality scores in home-residing (HR) and nursing home-residing (NHR) older adults with no
history of falls and evaluate the possible correlations between these factors.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 44 HR and 59 NHR participants
by using the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Mini Mental State Examination,
30-Second Chair Stand Test, and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP).
Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the NHR and HR participants
in terms of lower extremity muscle strength, balance, life quality, functional performance, and
mental status (p>0.05). Correlation analysis only showed a significant negative relationship
between functional performance and lower extremity muscle strength (r=-0.401, p=0.003)
and balance (r=-0.519, p=0.0001) in the NHR group.
Discussion and Conclusion: Fall risk assessments for HR and NHR elderly should consider
various factors including lower extremity muscle strength, functional performance, mental status, and life quality. This study presenting functional performance and life quality data as well
as physical parameter measurements is preliminary to further studies from a similarly holistic
perspective.