Falls are the main cause of accidental injuries that are common among the elderly. In Taiwan, the incidence of falls is about 15% to 34%. Falling can cause subsequent serious injuries and post-fall syndromes. Post-fall syndrome is common after a fall. The symptoms of self-restricted activity for fear of falling again affect about one-fifth of older fallers. This syndrome develops within a short period of time after a fall, which not only causes serious problems but also affects psychological symptoms and dependence on daily life functions. All of these reduce the function of movement and increase the chance of falling again. However, most of the past studies are cross-sectional studies, and rarely explore the changes in physical activity, mental state, cognitive and motor functions over time after a fall. Therefore, the study will investigate the changes in physiological and psychological functions after a fall among older adults who experiences a recent fall within 2 months. Additionally, the physiological and psychological functions will be compared between older adults with and without a history of falls.
Most of previous studies are cross-sectional studies, and rarely explore the changes in physical activity, mental state, cognitive and motor functions over time after a fall. Therefore, we hope to find out what changes in the elders' physiological and psychological functions after a fall.