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Frailty Markers and Falls Among US Clergy
Dennis W Klima1, Masoud Moghaddam2, Adam Davey3
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Hazel Hall, Room 2080, Princess Anne, MD, 21853, USA. dwklima@umes.edu.
Journal of Religion and Health
|February 26, 2025
Summary
Clergy with a history of falls exhibit slower gait and weaker grip strength, increasing their fear of falling. Fall screening is crucial for this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Physical Therapy
- Sociology of Religion
Background:
- Limited research exists on frailty, physical performance, and falls within the clergy.
- Understanding these factors is essential for the well-being of this specific demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze sociodemographic profiles, gait, strength, and fall history among diocesan and religious clergy.
- To identify potential risk factors for falls in this population.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-eight male Catholic clergy from the northeastern United States participated.
- Data collection included demographic profiles, gait velocity measurements, and grip strength assessments.
Main Results:
- A higher proportion of diocesan priests were retired (p = .02).
- Participants with a fall history showed significantly slower gait velocity (p = .001) and weaker grip strength (p = .017).
- Individuals with a history of falls were more likely to report a fear of falling (p = .009).
Conclusions:
- Fall history in clergy is associated with impaired physical performance (gait speed, grip strength).
- Fear of falling is more prevalent in clergy with a history of falls.
- These findings highlight the necessity of implementing fall risk screening programs for clergy.
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