Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 14(1), pp. 114 - 122
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140112
Reprint (PDF) (606Kb)

The Relationship between Body Mass Index, Age, and Risk of Falls on Walking Balance among the Elderly

Nur Rachmat ^*, M Syafii , Anissa Eka Septiani , Tarezza Dewi Sekar Mayang
Department of Prosthetic and Orthotic, Polytechnic of Health, Ministry of Health, Surakarta, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

Walking balance impairment is one of the leading causes of fall risk in the elderly. Aging-induced musculoskeletal degeneration and body composition changes are hypothesized to influence balance and increase fall incidence. This study investigates the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI), age, and fall risk on walking balance among the elderly. This cross-sectional study involved 55 elderly participants in Sragen, Indonesia, recruited through total sampling based on the complete list of the elderly at Jatisari Village Health Post. Measurements included BMI (using digital scale and stadiometer), fall risk (Morse Fall Scale), and walking balance (8-Foot Up and Go Test). Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression to assess individual and simultaneous effects of independent variables. A significant negative relationship was found between BMI and walking balance (t = -2.124, p = 0.039), age and walking balance (t = -3.641, p = 0.001), and fall risk and walking balance (t = -2.140, p = 0.037). Simultaneously, BMI, age, and fall risk significantly affected walking balance (F = 9.770, p < 0.001). The model explained 35.3% of the variance in balance scores (R^²=0.353). Higher BMI, older age, and increased fall risk are significantly associated with poorer walking balance in the elderly. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions by healthcare providers, community health centers, and elderly organizations to enhance mobility and reduce fall risk in aging populations.

KEYWORDS
Body Mass Index, Age, Fall Risk, Walking Balance, Elderly, Indonesia

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Nur Rachmat , M Syafii , Anissa Eka Septiani , Tarezza Dewi Sekar Mayang , "The Relationship between Body Mass Index, Age, and Risk of Falls on Walking Balance among the Elderly," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 114 - 122, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140112.

(b). APA Format:
Nur Rachmat , M Syafii , Anissa Eka Septiani , Tarezza Dewi Sekar Mayang (2026). The Relationship between Body Mass Index, Age, and Risk of Falls on Walking Balance among the Elderly. Universal Journal of Public Health, 14(1), 114 - 122. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140112.