Factors Associated With Recurrent Falls in Individuals With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Multicenter Study

High incidence of falls and fall-related injuries in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury: A prospective study of risk indicators

“…This is a factor well known from falls research in elderly subjects (9, 10) and other neurological diagnosis (33) and was also shown by Nelson et al in wheelchair users with SCI (5). None of the variables earlier shown as associated with recurrent falls in wheelchair users in previous studies, such as being male (3,15), improved functional independence (SCIM III) (15), performing regular exercise (15), younger age (15) nor higher alcohol consumption (5) were shown to contribute to falls in the present study. In accordance with Nelson et al (5), several participants reported spontaneously that they had fallen more during younger age, and earlier after the onset of SCI, when they were less skilled in wheelchair handling and transfers.…”

“…This observational prospective study on wheelchair users with SCI is part of the SCI Prevention of Falls (SCIP FALLS) study. Results from a larger sample, consisting of both wheelchair users and ambulatory individuals, on retrospectively reported falls have been reported previously (15). A fall was defined as "an unexpected event in which the participants come to rest on the ground, floor, or lower level" according to the Prevention of Falls Network Earth (ProFaNe) (17).…”

“…Study variables were chosen with a broad perspective, based on previous findings from studies on falls in the SCI population (3,5,15,16). Data collection was performed in Norway and Sweden by either of the authors (VJ and EBF), both of whom have more than 15 years of expertise in SCI rehabilitation.…”

“…Falls in wheelchair users with SCI have been investigated specifically in 1 study (5) and in a few studies with mixed samples (1-3, 4, 6, 7, 13-15). Paraplegia (3) or higher level of functional independence (3,5,15), male sex (3,15), younger age (15), pain (5), higher alcohol consumption (16), history of previous fall (5,15), fewer years since SCI (5), and shorter wheelbase of wheelchair (5) have been shown to be associated with falls. Hence, this wide range of factors indicates that falls in wheelchair users with SCI is a complex issue, and that consensus on risk indicators of falls in this population is not yet established and calls for further investigation.…”

Ten Meters Walking Speed in Spinal Cord–Injured Patients: Does Speed Predict Who Walks and Who Rolls?

“…Also, older patients might be more afraid of falling when walking, while sitting in a wheelchair feels secure. 28 Patients who ambulate independently in the community more often have AIS D or E SCI and higher walking speeds on the 10MWT than patients who do not. The motor scores for individual lower extremity muscles, including the UEMS and LEMS, were found to be significantly higher in patients who ambulate independently in the community than in patients who do not.…”