Assessment of Pain, Frailty, Fear of Falling, and Kinesiophobia in Older Adults With and Without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Abstract

Objectives: To compare older adults without Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) on levels of pain, frailty, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia, and to examine the relationship between these parameters in older adults with Type 2 DM.

Methods: The study population included 120 older adults aged 65-88 years (mean: 70.98 ± 6.53), divided into two groups: 60 with and 60 without Type 2 DM. Pain, frailty, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, the Edmonton Frail Scale, the Tinetti Fall Efficacy Scale, and the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of pain severity, frailty, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia (p < .05). A significant association was observed between pain severity, frailty, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia in older adults with Type 2 DM (p < .05).

Conclusions: Higher levels of pain, frailty, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia were observed in participants with Type 2 DM compared with those without. The levels of frailty, fear of falling, higher levels of pain, and kinesiophobia were increased in those with Type 2 DM. An increase in fear of falling and kinesiophobia was associated with increased frailty. Furthermore, kinesiophobia was associated with an elevated fear of falling, and that fear of falling was associated with an increased likelihood of kinesiophobia.

Implications: Health care professionals, public agencies, and nongovernmental organizations should work together to develop and implement policies, plans, and environmental regulations aimed at increasing physical activity levels and promoting independence in older adults with Type 2 DM.