Six-month prospective study of fall risk factors identification in patients post-stroke.

Abstract

AIM:

To determine if the findings at month 1 could correctly identify stroke patients who fell in the 6 months post-stroke; and to describe the characteristics of fallers and non-fallers, and their courses of recovery.

METHODS:

Of 133 volunteers who had their first stroke, 98 participants completed the assessment three times. Fall incidence and history were collected by telephone every 2 weeks and recorded. Fear of falling measured by the Fall Efficacy Scale (FES-S), the amount of time that physical therapy was received, and standardized outcome measures according to the International Classification Functioning, Disability and Health model were measured at month 1, 3 and 6 after stroke. The Berg Balance Scale, Barthel Index, Timed Up & Go, 10-m (10mWT) and 2-min walks and participation subscore of Stroke Impact Scale were used for assessment.

RESULTS:

A total of 25 patients (25%) fell in the 6 months; 13 had multiple falls. Fallers showed less improvement in impairments, activity and community participation compared with non-fallers. The risk of falling was greater than 1 (odds ratio [OR]) when assessed by all outcome measures at month 1, and was double at month 3. The FES-S ≥ 33 at month 1 could accurately identify a faller (OR 2.99, 95% confidence interval 1.07-8.37), moderate to high sensitivity (76%), specificity (49%), and positive and negative predicted value (34% and 85%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Fear of falling was the best indicator of falling. Receiving physical therapy after a stroke seems to highly contribute to improved functional independence of activities in daily living, and increased self-confidence and cognitive function.

• Authors: Chutima Jalayondeja, Patricia E Sullivan, Sopa Pichaiyongwongdee
• Journal: Geriatrics & gerontology international (Geriatr Gerontol Int) Vol. 14 Issue 4 Pg. 778-85 (Oct 2014) ISSN: 1447-0594 [Electronic] Japan
• PMID: 24666687 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Observational Study)
• Copyright: © 2013 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Topics

• Accidental Falls (statistics & numerical data)
• Activities of Daily Living
• Disability Evaluation
• Fear (psychology)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Incidence
• Physical Therapy Modalities
• Postural Balance
• Prospective Studies
• Risk Assessment (methods)
• Risk Factors
• Stroke (complications, epidemiology, physiopathology)
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Thailand (epidemiology)
• Time Factors