Study of Leg Muscle Strength and Fear of Falling of Elderly People in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Authors

  • Suparat Khangsantia Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology.
  • Pornsiri Jongkol Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology.

Keywords:

Elderly, Leg Muscle Strength, Fear of Falling, risk for fall

Abstract

The objectives of this research are to measure leg muscle strength and to study fear of falling in elderly people.  This study was divided into survey research and experimental research. Personal data and fear of falling are collected using a set of questionnaires. Body dimensions are measured by anthropometer. Leg muscle strength is evaluated by strength evaluation system. Risk for falls is assessed by Five Time Sit to Stand Test (FTSST). The subjects were 45 elderly people. The age ranges 60-82 years old with 18 males (40%) and 27 females (60%). The results show that seven elderly people (15.6%) have high level of fear of falling, and fourteen senior citizens (31.1%) have moderate level of fear of falling. Chair without armrest leads to difficulty in rising up.  From the analysis of FTSST, male elderly people complete FTSST in 14.16 + 5.57 s. on average, and female elderly people complete FTSST in 16.27 + 3.73 s. on average. The average male leg strength is 36.38 kg and the average female leg strength is 20.98 kg. Ordinal Logistic Regression is used to investigate relationship between fear of falling and age, leg muscle strength, and risk for falls. It is found that age and risk for falls have a significant effect on fear of falling. This study suggests that the elderly should exercise to strengthen their leg muscles for comfortable sit-ups and reduction in the risk of falling.

Author Biographies

Suparat Khangsantia, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology.

Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.

Pornsiri Jongkol, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology.

Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.

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Published

2023-04-29

How to Cite

Khangsantia, S., & Jongkol, P. (2023). Study of Leg Muscle Strength and Fear of Falling of Elderly People in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Recent Science and Technology, 15(1), 182–197. Retrieved from https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/rmutsvrj/article/view/248902

Issue

Section

Research Article