Is the STAI appropriate to Measure Fall Related Anxiety Levels with Physically Active Older Adults?

Past Research has indicated that mental health issues significantly impact quality of life for older adults. However a majority of this research has focused on depression, whereas anxiety has been less studied in this population. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is a commonly used tool designed to measure self-reported anxiety in a variety of age groups. PURPOSE: To explore fall-related State and Trait Anxiety in a sample of physically active older adults. METHOD: 98 physically active older adults (averaging 3.8 times a week of moderate-intensity exercise) performed a series of balance related activities over a 3-visit period (1: Orientation/Collection of Data, 2: Berg Balance Test; 3: 1 RM Strength Testing). The STAI was completed each visit prior to performance of activities, and the three visits all occurred within a 7 day period. RESULTS: 3x3 repeated measures factorial ANOVA were performed for both State and Trait Anxiety, for age groups 50-59, 60-69, and 70+, to elucidate whether state or trait anxiety levels changed over the three visits. Results indicate significant time effects (p<.01) for the Trait Anxiety Model for all groups. Paired sample t-tests were then used to detect differences within groups over the three visits. Tests revealed significant changes in trait anxiety over time for the 50-59 year age group (Day 1 33.07+/-8.66 to Day 3 29.4 +/-7.9, p<.05), the 60-69 year age group, (Day 1 30.5 +/-7.62 to Day 2 28.0+/-7.13, p<.05; Day 1 30.5+/-7.62 to Day 3 27.3+/- 7.56, p<.001), and the 70+ age group (Day 1 32.16+/-7.91 to Day 3 29.4+/-7.2, p<.05; and Day 2 31.17+/-8.51 to Day 3 29.4+/-7.2, p<.05). No differences in State Anxiety were seen within or between any of the three age groups. No correlations were found between State Anxiety, Trait Anxiety and 1RM or activity frequency. CONCLUSION: The lack of changes in State Anxiety and the observed changes in Trait Anxiety levels were surprising. These results further support growing scientific evidence urging caution in using the STAI instrument with samples of physically active older adults.