Falls among community-residing stroke survivors following inpatient rehabilitation: a descriptive analysis of longitudinal data

Abstract

BackgroundStroke victims are at relatively high risk for injurious falls. The purpose of this study was to document longitudinal fall patterns following inpatient rehabilitation for first-time stroke survivors.MethodsParticipants (n = 231) were recruited at the end of their rehab stay and interviewed monthly via telephone for 1 to 32 months regarding fall incidents. Analyses were conducted on: total reports of falls by month over time for first-time and repeat fallers, the incidence of falling in any given month; and factors differing between fallers and non fallers.ResultsThe largest percentage of participants (14%) reported falling in the first month post-discharge. After month five, less than 10% of the sample reported falling, bar months 15 (10.4%) and 23 (13.2%). From months one to nine, the percentage of those reporting one fall with and without a prior fall were similar. After month nine, the number of individuals who reported a single fall with a fall history was twice as high compared to those without a prior fall who reported falling. In both cases the percentages were small. A very small subset of the population emerged who fell multiple times each month, most of whom had a prior fall history. At least a third of the sample reported a loss of balance each month. Few factors differed significantly between fallers and non-fallers in months one to six.ConclusionLongitudinal data suggest that falls most likely linked to first time strokes occur in the first six months post discharge, particularly month one. Data routinely available at discharge does not distinguish fallers from non-fallers. Once a fall incident has occurred however, preventive intervention is warranted.

Risk Factors Associated With Falls in Adult Patients After Stroke Living in the Community: Baseline Data From a Stroke Cohort in Brazil

“…Patients with stroke demonstrate frequent and longitudinal studies with stroke survivors in different clinical conditions are fundamental for a better knowledge of modifi able and/or treatable factors related to fall risk. 24,36,37 Our patients fell mostly while walking, at home, and in the morning, similar to fi ndings in other studies. 33,38,39 These characteristics emphasize the need for preventive programs including patient and caregiver education, routine physical exercise, review of medications affecting balance, routine ophthalmological evaluation, and review of home safety.…”

Is Scoring on Berg Balance Scale Affected By Items Being Performed By Sound Side or An Affected Side?

“…Studies have used BBS to predict the fall in patients with stroke and found it to be a good predictor of fall [8,16,17]. Also BBS is used to differentiate between fallers and non-fallers [18][19][20][21].…”

Comparison between the six-minute walk test and the six-minute step test in post stroke patients

“…Stroke still is one of the major chronic diseases around the world [1-4]. It is also considered one of the main causes of disabilities [5] resulting not only in persistent neurological deficits, but also in a high physical deconditioning that propagates disability, leading to metabolic abnormalities that significantly increase the risk of myocardial infarction and recurrent stroke [6].…”