Background. This cross-sectional study investigated the associations between balance confidence, functional balance, and physical disability among older people after hip fracture.

Material and methods. The study utilizes baseline data of two randomized controlled trials (ISRCTN34271567 and ISRCTN53680197). The participants were 159 community-dwelling over 60-year-old people. Health, fracture status, the date and type of surgery, and contraindications for participation were assessed in a clinical examination. Balance confidence was assessed by the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) and functional balance by the Berg Balance Scale. Physical disability was assessed by a questionnaire containing 14 questions on perceived difficulty in basic (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Two sum scores were composed: ADL score (range 0–6) and IADL score (range 0–8). Isometric knee extension force was measured using a dynamometer. Pain and use of walking aids were assessed by a questionnaire. The negative binomial regression analysis was used to analyze the associations.

Results. A higher ABC score was associated with a lower risk for ADL (IRR 0.99; 95% CI 0.98–0.99) and IADL disability (0.99; 0.98–0.99) in the fully adjusted models. Also a higher BBS score was associated with a lower risk for ADL (0.98; 0.96–0.99) and IADL disability (0.98; 0.97–0.99) in the fully adjusted models.

Conclusion. Decreased balance confidence and impaired functional balance are associated with physical disability in older people after hip fracture.