Physical activity and sedentary behavior as predictors of fear of falling and risk of sarcopenia in older adults

Abstract Introduction Low-level physical activity and sedentary behavior are factors that can impact the fear of falling and risk of falls in older adults. Objective This study aimed to determine whether the duration and frequency of physical activity and sedentary behavior predict the fear of falling and risk of sarcopenia in older people. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with 116 older individuals from southern and southeastern Brazil. A sociodemographic and health questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ – short version), the Falls Efficacy Scale – International (FES-I), and the SARC-f were used. Data were analyzed by bootstrapping procedures, Pearson's correlation, and regression analysis (p < 0.05). Results Walking days (β = -0.38; p < 0.001) and moderate activity days (β = -0.23; p < 0.001) showed a negative prediction of fear of falling. Walking days also had a significant and negative prediction of the risk of sarcopenia (β = -0.34; p < 0.001). Conclusion We conclude that weekly walking and the practice of moderate-intensity physical activity negatively predict the fear of falling in older adults. Weekly walking also negatively predicts the risk of having sarcopenia. Sedentary behavior was not a predictor of fear of falling and risk of sarcopenia.