Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Irish Journal of Medical Science, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Background: Falls are a common and serious problem among older adults, often leading to injury and functional decline. Understanding plantar pressure patterns and functional performance can help identify fall risk mechanisms. Aims: This study aimed to compare plantar pressure distribution, balance, and functional parameters in older adults with high and low fall risk. Methods: Twenty-nine older adults (mean age 72.76 ± 5.23 years) participated. Participants were divided based on Berg Balance Scale scores: high fall risk (n = 15) and low fall risk (n = 14). Static and dynamic plantar pressures were assessed using pedobarography. Functional mobility and balance were evaluated with the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). Results: No significant differences were observed in static plantar pressure parameters. In dynamic analysis, non-dominant forefoot impulse was significantly higher in the low fall-risk group (p = 0.032), while dominant midfoot impulse was lower in the low fall-risk group (p = 0.041). Low-risk participants reached longer distances in FRT (p = 0.001) and completed TUG faster (p = 0.010), indicating better functional performance. 10MWT performance was better in the low-risk group but not statistically significant (p = 0.085). Conclusions: Static plantar pressure parameters did not differ significantly between groups, but dynamic plantar pressure and functional tests did. Better FRT and TUG performance and higher non-dominant forefoot impulse were observed in the low-risk group. Evaluating fall risk should incorporate balance, time-dependent plantar pressure, and functional performance, guiding intervention strategies.