FEAR OF FALLING AS A BARRIER TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN LATER LIFE: CONTRIBUTIONS OF MULTICOMPONENT TRAINING TO FUNCTIONAL CONFIDENCE IN OLDER ADULTS

Resumo

Fear of falling may restrict mobility, social participation, and physical activity among older adults even in the absence of a previous fall, becoming an important component of the cycle of inactivity, functional decline, and increased perceived vulnerability. This study aimed to synthesize scientific evidence on the contributions of multicomponent training to reducing fear of falling and strengthening functional confidence, mobility, and participation in physical activity among community-dwelling older adults. An exploratory and descriptive integrative review was conducted using a narrative and descriptive synthesis of data, guided by the PICO framework and by transparency elements from PRISMA 2020. Studies published from January 2016 to September 2026 were considered when they combined at least two exercise components and measured fear of falling or functional confidence using identifiable instruments. The evidence analyzed indicates that programs combining balance, strength, mobility, aerobic capacity, and functional tasks tend to produce consistent physical performance gains, while psychological effects vary according to dose, supervision, delivery mode, and baseline risk profile. Functional confidence should therefore be treated as an outcome in its own right rather than as an automatic consequence of motor improvement.