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A Vicious Cycle Of Fear Of Falling Avoidance Behavior In Parkinson’S Disease: A Path Analysis, Merrill R. Landers, Kameron M. Jacobson, Nicole E. Matsunami, Hannah E. Mccarl, Michelle T. Regis, Jason K. Longhurst

Integrated Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Postural instability (PI) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with several negative downstream consequences. Objective: The purpose was to explore the validity of a theoretical model of these downstream consequences arranged in a vicious cycle wherein PI leads to decreased balance confidence, which in turn leads to increased fear of falling (FOF) avoidance behavior, which in turn leads to decreased physical conditioning, which then feeds back and negatively affects PI. Methods: A path analysis of cross-sectional data from 55 participants with PD was conducted. The four constructs in the model connected in succession were: 1. PI (principal components analysis …