Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about balance among adults in the United States

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among young, middle-aged, and older adults to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about balance in the United States.

A community-based online cross-sectional survey was administered to a nationally representative sample of United States adults. Respondents were categorized into three age groups (young, middle-aged, older adults). Chi-square tests were used to assess differences in categorical variables, and analysis of variance was applied for continuous variables to examine differences in responses between age groups.

All age groups demonstrated knowledge of balance, had a positive attitude toward improving their balance, and agreed with beliefs about the balance importance with age. While most respondents reported their balance was good, 25%-51% could not stand on one leg for more than 30 s, and one-third were not sure if they could. Regardless of age group, 34%-38% of respondents reported falling in the past year.

Balance is important across all age groups, yet most respondents do not report visiting a medical provider due to concerns about balance. A history of falls in the past year among younger and middle-aged adults may be higher than previously reported. Thus, balance education and balance practice should ideally begin well before the age of 65.