ORCID
0000-0003-3511-8220
Keywords
cognitive function, fear of falling, physical activity, older adults, fall risk
Abstract
This dissertation used a cross-sectional and descriptive qualitative design to investigate the moderating effect of physical activity in the association of cognitive function with fear of falling and the experience of low-income community-dwelling older adults. The National Institute on Aging Health Disparities Research Framework guided this dissertation, which includes an integrated literature review, a quantitative analysis of secondary data, and a qualitative study. The integrated literature review was needed to identify the current evidence and the gaps in knowledge concerning the association between cognitive function, fear of falling, and physical activity. The review, which included seven studies, revealed a lack of information about the effect of physical activity on the association between cognitive function and fear of falling. A quantitative secondary analysis was conducted using a cross-sectional design to determine the moderating effect of physical activity on the association between cognitive function and fear of falling. The findings show a significant association between sedentary time and fear of falling, and a lack of moderation by physical activity on the association between cognitive function and fear of falling. The qualitative study explored the experience of community-dwelling older adults with the impact of physical activity measured with wearable technology on their well-being. The study found that community-dwelling older adults monitored their activities with wearable technology and experienced improved cognitive, physical, behavioral, and sociocultural well-being through physical activity. Findings from this dissertation add to the body of knowledge about 1) the significant association between sedentary time and fear of falling, 2) the lack of moderating effect of physical activity in the association between cognitive function and fear of falling among community-dwelling older adults, and 2) the impact of physical activity experienced by community-dwelling older adults on their well-being. These findings inform future research on fall risk assessments and prevention.
Completion Date
2025
Semester
Summer
Committee Chair
Thiamwong, Ladda
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
College
College of Nursing
Format
Release Date
8-15-2027
Document Type
Dissertation
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
Subjects
Falls (Accidents) in old age--Research; Cognition--Effect of exercise on; Physical fitness for older people; Old age--Research; Exercise--Research
STARS Citation
Ojo, Eunice O., "The Moderating Effect of Objectively Measured Physical Activity in the Association of Cognitive Function with Fear of Falling and the Experience of Low-Income Community-Dwelling Older Adults." (2025). Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024. 563.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd2024/563
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