Human study · Exercise · 10 Nov 2026
In 120 adults aged 50 or older in a community program, a higher fear of falling lined up with a weaker grip and a lower cognitive score
Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology
What the research found
A cross-sectional study was published on 10 November 2026. It enrolled 120 middle-aged and older adults, aged 50 or older, in a community active-aging program. Fear of falling was scored with the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. People with a high score had lower cognitive performance (adjusted mean difference -1.41, p = 0.031), more depressive symptoms (1.33, p = 0.006), and lower handgrip strength (-3.43 kg, p = 0.020) than people with a low score. Physical activity and most functional tests did not differ. One time point. The abstract does not give sex. DOI 10.1177/07334648261507163. Not medical advice.
Evidence level: Human study. A study in people, but an association isn't proof of cause.
More exercise news
- In 922 adults on hemodialysis, low muscle mechanical power lined up with a higher chance of death, and the link was in adults aged 60 or older
- In mice, muscle at 12 months rebuilt glutathione more slowly after an injury than muscle at 3 months
- In 172 older adults aged 70 or older, sensor patterns during five chair rises separated strength and walking scores that a stopwatch lumped together
- In 15 elite women volleyball players, 6 mg/kg caffeinated gum was tied to a smaller drop in block-jump power after exercise fatigue
- In 22 men ages 18 to 25, one cup of arabica or chicory coffee did not change a shuttle-run exercise score