Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about balance among adults in the United States.

Abstract

Objectives: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among young, middle-aged, and older adults to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about balance in the United States.

Methods: A community-based online cross-sectional survey was administered to a nationally representative sample of United States adults. Respondents were categorized into three age groups (young, middle-aged, older adults). Chi-square tests were used to assess differences in categorical variables, and analysis of variance was applied for continuous variables to examine differences in responses between age groups.

Results: All age groups demonstrated knowledge of balance, had a positive attitude toward improving their balance, and agreed with beliefs about the balance importance with age. While most respondents reported their balance was good, 25%-51% could not stand on one leg for more than 30 s, and one-third were not sure if they could. Regardless of age group, 34%-38% of respondents reported falling in the past year.

Conclusions: Balance is important across all age groups, yet most respondents do not report visiting a medical provider due to concerns about balance. A history of falls in the past year among younger and middle-aged adults may be higher than previously reported. Thus, balance education and balance practice should ideally begin well before the age of 65.