Investigation of the relationship between pain, fear of movement and falling in geriatric patients

Background Falls among older adults represent a major public health concern and are strongly associated with pain, fear of falling, and fear of movement. Pain may increase fall risk in a dose-response manner, while fear of falling can limit mobility, further enhancing vulnerability. This study aimed to investigate the interrelationship between pain, kinesiophobia, and fear of falling in geriatric patients. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Physical Therapy Unit of Burdur State Hospital, Turkey, between March 2022 and March 2023. A total of 100 participants aged ≥65 years were recruited by random sampling. Data collection included sociodemographic characteristics, fall history, chronic diseases, and regular medication use. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Verbal Category Scale, kinesiophobia using the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, and fear of falling using the Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 23). Descriptive statistics, Student’s t -test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey post-hoc , and Pearson correlation analyses were performed. Results The mean age of participants was 70.6 ± 4.5 years. The difference in VAS scores between genders was statistically significant ( p < 0.05), with higher pain levels in women. A strong positive correlation was found between the Tampa and Tinetti scores ( r = 0.704, p < 0.01), and a moderate positive correlation was observed between VAS and Verbal Category Scale scores ( r = 0.535, p < 0.01). Other subgroup comparisons by education, marital status, and chronic disease were not statistically significant. Conclusions Pain, kinesiophobia, and fear of falling are interrelated in older adults and negatively affect daily functioning. Routine assessment of these factors is essential for personalized fall-prevention strategies. Interventions that encourage safe mobility and reduce fear of movement may improve quality of life in the geriatric ...