Factors Affecting Kinesiophobia in the Elderly

In epidemiological studies, the incidence of foot problems has been found to be high as a result of the increase in life expectancy. The changes that occur in the foot with advancing age are extremely important in that they affect how the foot functions and transfer these effects to other body systems while standing and walking. These changes can also cause foot pain, limit mobility, impair functional performance in activities where the foot bears weight, and increase the risk of falling. In recent years, the level of kinesiophobia in elderly individuals; It seems to attract attention in terms of its effects on balance, falling, risk of falling, fear of falling, depression, physical activity level and quality of life. However, in the elderly living in nursing homes; It is not yet known how ankle joint position sense, foot posture, pain, foot-ankle disability, activity limitation, lower extremity muscle strength, walking speed and functional exercise capacity affect kinesiophobia. By elucidating these relationships, it will be possible to develop intervention strategies aimed at increasing foot-ankle characteristics, lower extremity muscle strength, walking speed and functional capacity, which are modifiable risk factors. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between kinesiophobia and foot-ankle characteristics, lower extremity muscle strength, walking speed and functional exercise capacity in elderly people living in nursing homes.