Balance confidence and function after knee-replacement surgery.
This study examined the relationship between balance confidence and function in older adults after knee-replacement surgery. Thirty-six adults (20 men and 16 women age 58-84 years) completed measures of balance confidence, general self-efficacy, and function. Results showed that participants with greater balance confidence had better functional performance and reported fewer difficulties with activities of daily living. General self-efficacy and age were not related to any of the functional measures. Women scored lower than men for all balance-confidence and function measures. These findings highlight the potential value of studying balance-related self-efficacy beliefs in people with knee replacements. Longitudinal studies are now needed to determine whether a change in balance confidence is associated with a change in function and to further explore gender differences.
Webster
Kate E
KE
Musculoskeletal Research Centre, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia.
Feller
Julian A
JA
Wittwer
Joanne E
JE
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012737:Sex Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000523:psychology