Research Information System
Fizyoterapi Rehabilitasyon, vol.19, no.3, pp.97-103, 2008 (SCI-Expanded)
Purpose: The aims of this study were to compare the muscle strength, mobility level and quality of life in faller and non-faller patients with neuromuscular diseases and to determine the correlation of these parameters with failing frequency. Material and methods: Eighty patients (49: faller, 31: non-faller) with various neuromuscular diseases, who applied to a neurological rehabilitation outpatient clinic, were included to this prospective study. Results: There was a significant difference in the health related quality of life, particularly in the 'social isolation' and 'physical activity' parameters and in the isolated hip flexors, knee extensors and ankle dorsiflexors (right and left) muscle strength, without any significant difference between total lower extremity muscle strength results, of the subjects in the faller and non-faller groups (p<0.05). Failing frequency was found to be correlated with fear of failing (r=0.437), both right and left knee extensors muscle strength (r=-0.388 (p<0.05) and r=-0.419 (p<0.05), respectively). Conclusion: Although the hip flexors, knee extensors and ankle dorsiflexors muscle strength results were lower in the faller subjects, only the knee extensors muscle strength was found to be an important factor affecting falling frequency in patients with neuromuscular diseases.