Publication: Six-month prospective study of fall risk factors identification in patients post-stroke
Issued Date
2013
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Language
eng
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Mahidol University
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Wiley Online Library
Bibliographic Citation
Geriatrics & Gerontology International. Vol.14, No.14 (2013), 778-785
Suggested Citation
Chutima Jalayondeja, Sullivan, Patricia E., Sopa Pichaiyongwongdee Six-month prospective study of fall risk factors identification in patients post-stroke. Geriatrics & Gerontology International. Vol.14, No.14 (2013), 778-785. Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/10563
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Title
Six-month prospective study of fall risk factors identification in patients post-stroke
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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. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013