Association Between the Modified Functional Movement Screen Scores, Fear of Falling, and Self-Perceived Balance in Active Older Adults

Abstract

Aims: To determine the association between fear of falling and self-perceived balance with the modified Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and determine whether fear of falling, self-perceived balance, and modified FMS scores differ depending on age group and sex. Methods: One hundred and fifty-six active older adults completed a fear of falling and self-perceived balance questionnaire and then the modified FMS. Results: Modified FMS scores differed by age group and sex (P < .05). Increasing age was associated with poorer modified FMS scores while females outperformed males on most components of the modified FMS (P < .05). Associations of the modified FMS with age group and sex indicated that better modified FMS scores were associated with decreased fear of falling and greater self-perceived balance. Conclusion: Focus on different aspects of the modified FMS may depend on age and sex. There is a small relationship between the modified FMS with fear of falling and self-perceived balance.