Aims: To gain an in-depth understanding of issues expressed by survivors of stroke and their spousal caregivers related to falling and fear of falling (FoF). Methods: The phenomenological qualitative research tradition was used to conduct indepth semi-structured interviews, which were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and member checked. The Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale was embedded within each interview. Researchers independently open coded, triangulated data, and allowed categories and themes to emerge. Results: Six survivors of chronic stroke and spouses were interviewed. All survivors reported at least one fall since hospital discharge, with half reporting injurious falls. Two reported FoF when asked, but most indicated impaired balance confidence. The overarching theme of adjustment emerged, with sub-themes of (1) physical and (2) emotional/cognitive adjustment. Conclusions: Clinicians' heightened awareness of issues expressed by these couples may improve care (education and practice), provided in various settings, as adjustment continues to be expressed years after stroke. 353 Phys Occup Ther Geriatr Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by McMaster University on 12/26/14 For personal use only. Phys Occup Ther Geriatr Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by McMaster University on 12/26/14 For personal use only. Phys Occup Ther Geriatr Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by McMaster University on 12/26/14 For personal use only. Phys Occup Ther Geriatr Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by McMaster University on 12/26/14 For personal use only. Fear of Falling after Chronic Stroke

WBV appears to be a safe exercise for this population. Long-term use in polio survivors needs to be researched, particularly in reducing barriers to participation to promote the physical aspects of health.

BACKGROUND: Persons diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) often demonstrate neurological deficits that predispose them to repeated falls and associated adverse consequences. Determining contributing factors to falls in this population is critical to improve safety and patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to correlate clinical measures of gait speed, balance, strength, spasticity, and a self-reported rating scale of function with fall incidence in individuals with ALS. METHODS: Thirty-one participants with a confirmed ALS diagnosis were recruited from an outpatient clinic. Each participant performed the following tests: timed gait speed, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), manual muscle testing (MMT) for lower extremity (LE) strength, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for LE spasticity, and the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R). Each participant reported number of falls that occurred in the past three months. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine correlations between variables. RESULTS: Significant correlation was found between fall incidence and composite LE strength score ( r p = 0.385, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: There is a relationship between LE weakness and number of falls in the ALS population. Preventing disuse-related LE muscle weakness and education of need for external support may decrease the number of falls experienced by individuals with ALS.

No abstract