In-Hospital Predictors of Falls in Community-Dwelling Individuals After Stroke in the First 6 Months After a Baseline Evaluation: A Prospective Cohort Study

Risk-taking behaviour and executive functions, a major component of the risk of fall factors after recent stroke

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the weight of different cognitive disorders on patient behaviour influencing the risk of falls after recent stroke.

DESIGN

Survey and retrospective monocentric study.

SUBJECTS/PATIENTS

74 professionals/108 patients.

METHODS

Survey of professionals to ask for their thoughts concerning the weight of different cognitive disorders on the risk of falls and a retrospective study of patients post-stroke to determine whether these cognitive deficits could distinguish fallers from non-fallers. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

In part 1, major cognitive disorders identified were anosognosia, confusion, inattention, precipitation, and unilateral spatial neglect. In part 2, 25 patients (23%) were fallers. After adjustment for length of rehabilitation stay and disease severity, on multivariate analysis, the cognitive disorders significantly associated with risk of falls were anosognosia (odds ratio 16), precipitation (13.3), inattention (8.3), and perseveration (4.9). Unilateral spatial neglect was not independently associated. Aphasia did not play a role.

CONCLUSION

Some cognitive disorders, easily identified before any neuropsychological assessment, strongly modify patient behaviour in terms of risk of falls. It is proposed that these disorders should not be considered as an additional factor along with physical and general factors but rather as a multiplying factor applied to the others.

Psychometric properties of Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale in patients with stroke

BACKGROUND

Patients experience falls frequently after stroke. Preserved or acquired balance skills decrease fall risk and improve independence. Feasibility of Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAB) has been shown in balance assessment in some neurological diseases except stroke.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of Turkish version of FAB (FAB-T) in patients with stroke (PwS).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 51 PwS (60.64 ± 7.66 years). Reliability analyses were conducted with Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Spearman correlation analysis. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were assessed with three raters. FAB-T, Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM), Brunnstrom Recovery Stages (BRS), Barthel Index (BI), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used for convergent validity. Correlations of FAB-T with Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) were measured for concurrent validity. Spearman correlation analysis was used for convergent and concurrent validity. For predictive validity patients' self-reports of falling were analyzed with ROC.

RESULTS

Intra-rater (ICC = 0.998) and inter-rater reliability (ICCs = 0.984; 0.984; 0.990), and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.930) were excellent. FAB-T had good correlations with STREAM (ρ = 0.677) and BI (ρ = 0.628), moderate correlations with BRS (ρ = 0.504 and ρ = 0.579) and physical function of SF-36 (ρ = 0.436). FAB-T excellently correlated with Mini-BESTest and BBS (ρ = 0.928 and ρ = 0.942). The cutoff score of FAB-T was determined to be 21.5 points, with sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 61% (AUC = 0.749).

CONCLUSIONS

FAB-T is a reliable and valid balance assessment tool with an acceptable accuracy of fall prediction in PwS.

Smartphone-based gait and balance assessment in survivors of stroke: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Gait and balance impairments are associated with falls and reduced quality of life among survivors of stroke (SS). Effective methods to assess these impairments at-home and in-clinic can help reduce fall risks and improve functional outcomes. Smartphone technology may be able to evaluate these impairments. This review aims to summarize the validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of smartphone applications for determining gait and balance disorders in SS.

METHOD

Database search through PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and SportDiscuss was conducted to retrieve studies that explored the use of smartphone-based applications for assessing gait and balance disorders in SS. Two independent reviewers screened potential articles to determine eligibility for inclusion. Eligible studies were summarized for participant and study characteristics, validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of smartphone assessments. Methodological quality assessment of studies was performed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool.

RESULTS

Seven cross-sectional studies were included in the review. Quality assessment revealed all studies had low risk of bias. Three of the included studies examined the validity, four examined the reliability, and two examined the specificity and sensitivity of smartphone-based application assessments of gait and balance in SS. Studies revealed that smartphones were valid, reliable, specific, and sensitive. Six of the seven included studies intended their use for SS and one study for clinicians.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary evidence supports that smartphone-based gait and balance assessments are valid, reliable, sensitive, and specific in SS in laboratory settings. Future research is needed to test smartphone-based gait and balance assessments in home settings and determine optimal wear sites for assessments.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSmartphone-based gait and balance assessments are feasible, valid and reliable for survivors of strokeThe findings may guide future research to standardize the use of smartphone to assess gait and balance in this population.The remote use of smartphone-based assessments to predict fall risk in survivors of stroke needs to be explored.

[Incidence, circumstances and consequences of falls in subjects with stroke: One year of follow-up]

INTRODUCTION

Falls are among the most frequent complications following stroke (CVA), and have a negative impact on rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES

To study the incidence, circumstances, and consequences of falls in stroke patients up to 12months after starting outpatient kinetic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective design, case series. Consecutive sampling. Patients admitted to the day hospital between June 2019 and May 2020. Included: adults with a diagnosis of first supratentorial stroke and functional ambulatory category score ≥3.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

other condition affecting locomotion.

MAIN VARIABLES

number of falls, circumstances, and consequences. Clinical, demographic, and functional characteristics were measured.

RESULTS

Twenty-one subjects were included, 13 suffered at least one fall. The subjects reported 41 falls: 15 were to the most affected side, 35 inside the home, 28 without the indicated equipment, they were alone when the event occurred on 29 occasions, and in two situations medical assistance was required. There were statistically significant differences (P<.05) in functional performance (balance, gait velocity) between those who fell and those who did not. No significant differences were found between gait endurance and falls.

CONCLUSION

More than half suffered a fall, alone, to the weaker side, and without the appropriate equipment. With this information the incidence could be reduced by preventive measures.

Exercise for preventing falls in post-stroke patients: A network meta-analysis

Falls are a great concern for poststroke patients. Various interventions have been developed over the past few decades to prevent falls. However, the effectiveness of these interventions remains to be investigated. These authors aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise interventions on the prevention of poststroke falls. CNKI, Wan Fang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the prevention of falls after stroke from inception to September 2021. The primary result was the number of falls. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data and assessed the risk of bias for all studies. In Stata 15.1, the effects of multiple interventions were compared using Bayesian networks. A total of 15 RCTs with 8 kinds of exercise interventions were included. Balance training (BT) was the most effective way to prevent falls (odds ratio [OR] = 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13-0.46, p < 0.05). Moreover, cognition and movement multitask training (CMM) (OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.09-0.96, p < 0.05); Multimodal Exercise (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.11-0.84, p < 0.05) and Resistance Exercise (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.15-0.84, p < 0.05) were ranked as second, third and fourth most effective, respectively. The effect of Walking-based Intervention was the worst (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 0.57-4.67, p > 0.05). BT and CMM are the preferred exercise interventions for the prevention of poststroke falls. A further investigation is needed to compare the effectiveness between BT and CMM for populations at high risk of falling after stroke.

A Systematic Review of Fall Risk Factors in Stroke Survivors: Towards Improved Assessment Platforms and Protocols

Background/Purpose: To prevent falling, a common incident with debilitating health consequences among stroke survivors, it is important to identify significant fall risk factors (FRFs) towards developing and implementing predictive and preventive strategies and guidelines. This review provides a systematic approach for identifying the relevant FRFs and shedding light on future directions of research. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in 5 popular research databases. Studies investigating the FRFs in the stroke community were evaluated to identify the commonality and trend of FRFs in the relevant literature. Results: twenty-seven relevant articles were reviewed and analyzed spanning the years 1995-2020. The results confirmed that the most common FRFs were age (21/27, i.e., considered in 21 out of 27 studies), gender (21/27), motion-related measures (19/27), motor function/impairment (17/27), balance-related measures (16/27), and cognitive impairment (11/27). Among these factors, motion-related measures had the highest rate of significance (i.e., 84% or 16/19). Due to the high commonality of balance/motion-related measures, we further analyzed these factors. We identified a trend reflecting that subjective tools are increasingly being replaced by simple objective measures (e.g., 10-m walk), and most recently by quantitative measures based on detailed motion analysis. Conclusion: There remains a gap for a standardized systematic approach for selecting relevant FRFs in stroke fall risk literature. This study provides an evidence-based methodology to identify the relevant risk factors, as well as their commonalities and trends. Three significant areas for future research on post stroke fall risk assessment have been identified: 1) further exploration the efficacy of quantitative detailed motion analysis; 2) implementation of inertial measurement units as a cost-effective and accessible tool in clinics and beyond; and 3) investigation of the capability of cognitive-motor dual-task paradigms and their association with FRFs.

The association between fatigue severity and risk of falls among middle-aged and older Australian stroke survivors

Background

Fatigue is a common and often debilitating symptom experienced by many stroke survivors. Significant post stroke fatigue may predispose individuals to other health complications, such as falls, which can lead to fractures and soft tissue injuries. Only limited research has examined the association between fatigue and falls in stroke survivors.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study, from a subset of individuals who had experienced a stroke. The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale—5-item version (MFIS-5) was used to measure the level of fatigue. A logistic regression model, adjusted for stroke characteristics and comorbidities, was used to determine the magnitude of association between change in fatigue score and odds of having had a fall.

Results

A total of 576 participants completed the questionnaire. A total of 214 (37.2%) participants reported having had a fall in the previous 12 months. There was a statistically significant association between fatigue scores and fall status (p < 0.001). Specifically, for every 1-point increase in the fatigue score (MFIS-5) (i.e. higher level of fatigue), the odds of a person having a fall is 1.10 times greater (AOR = 1.10; 95% CI 1.05, 1.15; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study revealed an association between an increasing risk of falls with increasing severity of post stroke fatigue. Accurate detection and management of fatigue may help reduce the risk of falls and should be the focus of future research.

Stroke Rehabilitation for Falls and Risk of Falls in Southeast Asia: A Scoping Review With Stakeholders' Consultation

Background: Research on rehabilitation for falls after stroke is warranted. However, published evidence on fall interventions with stroke survivors is limited and these are mainly international studies that may be less relevant for Southeast Asia. Objective: This review aims to systematically identify literature related to stroke rehabilitation for falls and risk of falls in Southeast Asia. Methods: A scoping review with stakeholders' consultation was implemented. An electronic search was conducted up to December 2020 on 4 databases (Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, ASEAN Citation Index). Only original studies conducted in Southeast Asia were selected. Results: The initial search yielded 3,112 articles, however, only 26 were selected in the final analysis. Most of the articles focused on physical rehabilitation and implemented conventional therapies. While the literature may reflect practice in Southeast Asia, stakeholders perceived that the literature was inadequate to show true practice, was not informative and missed several aspects such as functional, cognitive, and psychological interventions in managing falls. Individual-centric interventions dominated the review while community-based and environmental-focused studies were limited. Majority of the articles were written by physiotherapists while others were from physicians, occupational therapists, and an engineer but few from other healthcare practitioners (i.e., speech therapists, psychologists) or disciplines interested in falls. Conclusions: Falls prevention among stroke survivors has received a lack of attention and is perceived as an indirect goal in stroke rehabilitation in Southeast Asia. More innovative research adopted from falls research with older people is needed to advance falls prevention and intervention practice with stroke survivors.

Validity and Reliability of The 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in Individuals with Stroke

OBJECTIVES

The 3-m backward walk test (3MBWT) is used to evaluate neuromuscular control, proprioception, protective reflexes, fall risk and balance. The aim of our study was to reveal the test-retest reliability and validity of the 3MBWT in stroke patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included a total of 41 stroke patients [age 59 (35-78) years]. 3MBWT, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were applied to the patients. The second evaluation (retest) was carried out by the same physiotherapist two days following the first evaluation (test) in order to measure test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.974 (excellent). For intra-rater agreement, the ICC values in the individual test were 0.985. The SEM value was 1.11 sec, the MDC value was found to be 1.57 sec. A moderate correlation was revealed between the 3 m-backward walking speed and BBS (r: -0.691, p: 0.001) and TUG (r: 0.849, p: 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The 3MBWT was observed to be valid and reliable in stroke individuals. It is an effecive and reliable tool for measuring dynamic balance and falls in stroke.

Predicting Falls Using the Stroke Assessment of Fall Risk Tool

BACKGROUND

Falls in the inpatient stroke population are common, resulting in increased morbidity and slow rehabilitation progress. Falls may result from stroke-specific neurologic deficits; however, assessment of these deficits is lacking in many fall screening tools.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the ability to predict falls of the Stroke Assessment of Fall Risk (SAFR) tool, which includes items related to stroke-specific neurologic deficits, and the commonly used Morse Fall Scale, which does not include these items.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Inpatient tertiary stroke rehabilitation unit.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N = 220) with acute stroke.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Falls were captured by the medical records from January 2017 to September 2018. Logistic regression analysis evaluated both screening tools for predicting falls by calculating sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) curve, and odds ratio (OR). We compared SAFR and Morse mean scores between fallers and non-fallers using t-tests.

RESULTS

Forty-eight (21.8%) patients experienced ≥1 fall. SAFR, but not Morse, scores showed a statistically significant difference between fallers and non-fallers (P = .001 vs P = .24, respectively). Higher SAFR score was associated with higher odds of falls (OR 1.36, 95% CI [1.12, 1.64]), whereas Morse was not (OR 1.04, 95% CI [0.97, 1.12]). SAFR showed a statistically significant difference in hemi-neglect between fallers and non-fallers (P = .03). Sensitivity and specificity of SAFR were 47.9% and 76.7%, vs 45.8% and 68.0% for Morse, respectively. SAFR positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 36.5% and 84.1%, respectively, similar to Morse (28.6% and 81.8%). The AUC-ROC was 0.65 for SAFR and 0.56 for Morse.

CONCLUSIONS

SAFR was significantly associated with fall risk and had better discrimination between fallers and non-fallers than Morse. The neurologic-specific hemi-neglect component of SAFR, a component not present on the Morse, was a fall risk factor. Further research evaluating the predictive value of fall scales that include neurologic deficits is needed.

Standardized Outcome Measures in Stroke Rehabilitation and Falls After Discharge: A Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Individuals with stroke discharged from inpatient rehabilitation units (IRUs) are at increased risk for falls. In IRUs, standardized outcome measures (SOMs) have been used to predict falls, but the results have been mixed.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between SOMs and the risk of falls in individuals with stroke within 6 months of discharge from an IRU.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study with 6-month follow-up.

SETTING

IRU that was part of a large, urban academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals with stroke who underwent rehabilitation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-reported falls within 6 months of discharge.

RESULTS

The study included 105 participants who were discharged to their homes after inpatient rehabilitation and who responded to a 6-month follow-up (57% response rate) phone call. Twenty-nine participants (28%) reported falling. Significant odds ratios (ORs), adjusted for age, sex, and stroke severity, were found for the following measures: Berg Balance Scale (OR 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92-0.99), Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care basic mobility (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.97), Motricity Index (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.98), Functional Independence Measure mobility subscale (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.98), and Trunk Control Test (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99). Areas under the curve ranged from .64 to .71. In samples of 82 to 90 patients who could complete the tests, gait speed, the Functional Reach Test, the 6-minute Walk Test, and Timed Up and Go did not result in significant ORs.

CONCLUSIONS

At discharge, SOMs were associated with the odds of falls within 6 months. The multifactorial nature of falls will continue to make prediction challenging but SOMs can be helpful. Lower extremity strength deserves more attention as a risk factor.

Falls in individuals with stroke during inpatient rehabilitation at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia

Objectives:

To determine the incidence and risk factors of falls in individuals with stroke undergoing inpatient rehabilitation.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of all patients with stroke admitted to from January 2011 to June 2013 was carried out in Inpatient rehabilitation Unit at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data collected included demographic variables, types of stroke, comorbidities, characteristics of falls, factors affecting falls and length of hospital stay. Data was descriptively analyzed. The Pearson Chi-square test was used to determine any significant relationship between the categorical variables. Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of falls during rehabilitation.

Results:

Results: Out of 146 stroke survivors, 36 patients had a fall during inpatient rehabilitation. Majority did not sustain any injury. Fall status was significantly associated with age group (p=0.048), type of stroke (p=0.005) and previous history of stroke (p=0.020). The side of stroke (p=0.011) and fall risk were statistically significantly related to fall outcomes (p=0.005). Length of hospital stay (LOS) was also associated with fall outcome (p=0.044).

Conclusion:

Age, hemorrhagic stroke, laterality of stroke and previous history of stroke were identified as risk factors associated with falls. Injured patients tend to stay longer for inpatient rehabilitation. Due to different culturual, environmental and health system variations, development of regional guidelines for fall prevention in stroke survivors can help to reduce the risk of falls.

Rehabilitation Indices associated with sustaining a minimal trauma fracture within 12 months of a stroke in Western Australia

OBJECTIVE

To identify Rehabilitation Indices associated with a minimal trauma fracture (MTF) within 12 months poststroke.

METHODS

Retrospective case-control study. Stroke survivors with MTF were matched 5:1 with stroke survivors without MTF. Logistic regression determined whether Rehabilitation Indices, such as Physiotherapy Ambulation score (PhysioAmb), were associated with a MTF within 12 months poststroke.

RESULTS

Forty-three stroke survivors (mean age: 79.8; 55.81% female) experienced a MTF (median time to MTF of 1.79 years [IQR 0.70, 4.48]). Those with a MTF within 12 months had lower PhysioAmb (4.53 vs 8.29) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS; 12.25 vs 40.57) scores on admission, lower BBS score on discharge (30.33 vs 49.29) and a greater change in PhysioAmb (+5.67 vs +3.24) and BBS scores (+21.50 vs +8.71) after rehabilitation, all P < 0.05. Greater changes in PhysioAmb score increased the odds of a MTF within 12 months by 18%.

CONCLUSION

Rehabilitation Indices are associated with a MTF within 12 months poststroke.

Update on the Clinical Approach to Spatial Neglect

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Spatial neglect is asymmetric orienting and action after a brain lesion, causing functional disability. It is common after a stroke; however, it is vastly underdocumented and undertreated. This article addresses the implementation gap in identifying and treating spatial neglect, to reduce disability and improve healthcare costs and burden.

RECENT FINDINGS

Professional organizations published recommendations to implement spatial neglect care. Physicians can lead an interdisciplinary team: functionally relevant spatial neglect assessment, evidence-based spatial retraining, and integrated spatial and vision interventions can optimize outcomes. Research also strongly suggests spatial neglect adversely affects motor systems. Spatial neglect therapy might thus "kick-start" rehabilitation and improve paralysis recovery. Clinicians can implement new techniques to detect spatial neglect and lead interdisciplinary teams to promote better, integrated spatial neglect care. Future studies of brain imaging biomarkers to detect spatial neglect, and real-world applicability of prism adaptation treatment, are needed.

Incidence and circumstances of falls among community-dwelling ambulatory stroke survivors: A prospective study

AIM

To elucidate the incidences and circumstances of falls and fall-related injuries, and to explore the physical characteristics of community-dwelling ambulatory stroke survivors who experienced falls.

METHODS

A total of 144 community-dwelling ambulatory survivors of hemiparetic stroke (mean age 68.0 years [SD 10.4 years]) who were undergoing rehabilitation in an adult daycare center participated in this prospective study. The mean duration from stroke onset was 5.21 years (SD 3.15 years). The occurrence of falls was collected for 1 year with a fall diary. The incidence rates of falls and fall-related injuries, and the detailed circumstances of falls were descriptively analyzed. The characteristics of fallers were explored by comparing background information, motor impairments and results of physical function tests, including the 10-m walk test, Timed Up and Go test and five-times-sit-to-stand test, between fallers and non-fallers.

RESULTS

The incidence rates of falls and fall-related fractures were 0.88 per person-year and 2.8 per 100 person-years, respectively. Falls occurred more frequently during daytime and in winter. Falls were caused most often by losing balance while walking indoors, especially on the way to the toilet. After falling, 34.1% of individuals who fell could not stand up by themselves. The time of the five-times-sit-to-stand test was significantly longer in fallers than in non-fallers (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence rate of falls was high among community-dwelling ambulatory survivors of hemiparetic stroke. Appropriate approaches, including mastering the skills to cope with falling, are required, especially for individuals with reduced lower limb muscle strength. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 240-244.

Ventral attention and motor network connectivity is relevant to functional impairment in spatial neglect after right brain stroke

Emerging research suggests spatial neglect after right stroke is linked to dysfunctional attention and motor networks. Advanced functional connectivity analysis clarified brain network recovery, however we need to know how networks participate in adaptive motor performance. We need to verify network changes associated with validated functional measures and spatial-motor performance in spatial neglect, especially in patients with large brain lesions and significant disability. This study tested whether disability-relevant spatial neglect associates with different patterns of resting state functional connectivity between motor, dorsal and ventral attention networks (MN, DAN and VAN). Right stroke patients had spatial neglect (n = 8) or not (n = 10) on the Behavioural Inattention Test-conventional. Spatial neglect patients had weaker intranetwork VAN connectivity, and reduced internetwork connectivity between VAN and left frontal eye field (DAN), and between VAN and the left primary motor area (MN). These network impairments might explain the co-occurrence of attention and motor deficits in spatial neglect, and open a path to assessing functional connectivity in clinical trials of combined spatial retraining and motor rehabilitation after stroke.

Prediction of Falls in Subjects Suffering From Parkinson Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Stroke

OBJECTIVE

To compare the risk of falls and fall predictors in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and stroke using the same study design.

DESIGN

Multicenter prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Institutions for physical therapy and rehabilitation.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N=299) with PD (n=94), MS (n=111), and stroke (n=94) seen for rehabilitation.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Functional scales were applied to investigate balance, disability, daily performance, self-confidence with balance, and social integration. Patients were followed for 6 months. Telephone interviews were organized at 2, 4, and 6 months to record falls and fall-related injuries. Incidence ratios, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and Cox proportional hazards models were used.

RESULTS

Of the 299 patients enrolled, 259 had complete follow-up. One hundred and twenty-two patients (47.1%) fell at least once; 82 (31.7%) were recurrent fallers and 44 (17.0%) suffered injuries; and 16%, 32%, and 40% fell at 2, 4, and 6 months. Risk of falls was associated with disease type (PD, MS, and stroke in decreasing order) and confidence with balance (Activities-specific Balance Confidence [ABC] scale). Recurrent fallers were 7%, 15%, and 24% at 2, 4, and 6 months. The risk of recurrent falls was associated with disease type, high educational level, and ABC score. Injured fallers were 3%, 8%, and 12% at 2, 4, and 6 months. The only predictor of falls with injuries was disease type (PD).

CONCLUSIONS

PD, MS, and stroke carry a high risk of falls. Other predictors include perceived balance confidence and high educational level.

Developing a falls prevention program for community-dwelling stroke survivors in Singapore: client and caregiver perspectives

PURPOSE

Drawing on the perspectives of stroke survivors, family members and domestic helpers, this study explores participants' experiences of self-perceived fall risk factors after stroke, common fall prevention strategies used, and challenges to community participation after a fall.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Singapore with community-dwelling stroke survivors with a previous fall (n = 9), family caregivers (n = 4), and domestic helpers (n = 4) who have cared for a stroke survivor with a previous fall. Purposive sampling was used for recruitment; all interviews were audio-recorded with permission and transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo (v10) software.

RESULTS

All participants shared their self-perceived intrinsic and extrinsic fall risk factors and main challenges after a fall. For stroke participants and family caregivers, motivational factors in developing safety strategies after a previous fall(s) include social connectedness, independent living and community participation. For family caregivers and domestic helpers, the stroke survivor's safety is their top priority, however this can also lead to over-protective behavior outside of the rehabilitation process.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing the risk of falls in community-dwelling stroke survivors seems to be more important than promoting community participation among caregivers. The study findings highlight that a structured and client-centered fall prevention program targeting stroke survivors and caregivers is needed in Singapore. Implications for rehabilitation Falls after stroke can lead to functional decline in gait and mobility and restricted self-care activities. Community-dwelling stroke survivors develop adaptive safety strategies after a fall and want to be socially connected. However, caregivers see the safety of the stroke survivors as their top priority and demonstrate over-protective behaviors. Fall prevention programs for community-dwelling stroke survivors should target both stroke survivors and their caregivers. A structured and client-centered fall prevention program targeting at multiple risk factors post-stroke is needed for community-living stroke survivors.

Risk Factors for Falls in Community Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To identify the risk factors for falls in community stroke survivors.

DATA SOURCES

A comprehensive search for articles indexed in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was conducted.

STUDY SELECTION

Prospective studies investigating fall risk factors in community stroke survivors were included. Reviewers in pair independently screened the articles and determined inclusion through consensus. Studies meeting acceptable quality rating using the Q-Coh tool were included in the meta-analysis.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data extraction was done in duplicate by 4 reviewers using a standardized data extraction sheet and confirmed by another independent reviewer for completeness and accuracy.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Twenty-one articles met the minimum criteria for inclusion; risk factors investigated by ≥3 studies (n=16) were included in the meta-analysis. The following risk factors had a strong association with all fallers: impaired mobility (odds ratio [OR], 4.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.68-7.10); reduced balance (OR, 3.87; 95% CI, 2.39-6.26); use of sedative or psychotropic medications (OR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.36-7.48); disability in self-care (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.51-3.49); depression (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.18-3.75); cognitive impairment (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.02-2.99); and history of fall (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.03-2.72). A history of fall (OR, 4.19; 95% CI, 2.05-7.01) had a stronger association with recurrent fallers.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that balance and mobility problems, assisted self-care, taking sedative or psychotropic medications, cognitive impairment, depression, and history of falling are associated with falls in community stroke survivors. We recommend that any future research into fall prevention programs should consider addressing these modifiable risk factors. Because the risk factors for falls in community stroke survivors are multifactorial, interventions should be multidimensional.

Stroke and Falls-Clash of the Two Titans in Geriatrics

Both stroke and falls are common conditions affecting the older adult. Despite stroke being considered a well-established major risk factor for falls, there remains no evidence for effective prevention strategies for falls specifically for stroke survivors. Previous observational studies evaluating falls risk factors in stroke have mainly been uncontrolled and found similar risk factors for stroke populations compared to general older populations. Specific risk factors, however, are likely to play a greater role in stroke survivors including unilateral weakness, hemisensory or visual neglect, impaired coordination, visual field defects, perceptual difficulties and cognitive issues. In addition, individuals with stroke are also more likely to have other associated risk factors for falls including diabetes, falls risk increasing drugs, atrial fibrillation, and other cardiovascular risk factors. While anticoagulation is associated with increased risk of intracranial bleeding after a fall, the risk of suffering a further stroke due to atrial fibrillation outweigh the risk of bleeding from a recurrent fall. Similarly, while blood pressure lowering medications may be linked to orthostatic hypotension which in turn increases the risk of falls, the benefit of good blood pressure control in terms of secondary stroke prevention outweighs the risk of falls. Until better evidence is available, the suggested management approach should then be based on local resources, and published evidence for fall prevention. Multicomponent exercise and individually tailored multifactorial interventions should still be considered as published evidence evaluating the above have included stroke patients in their study population.

One-Leg Standing Time of the Affected Side Moderately Predicts for Postdischarge Falls in Community Stroke Patients

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the predictive accuracy of one-leg standing time at hospital discharge on falls in stroke patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. Participants included stroke patients (n = 65) who could walk when discharged from inpatient rehabilitation ward. To investigate the relationship between one-leg standing time and falls, logistic analysis was utilized with a criterion variable including the presence or absence of falls after 1-year hospital discharge as well as explanatory variables including Brunnstrom stage, knee extension strength on the affected side, Barthel Index, 10-m walking speed, and one-leg standing time on both sides. The accuracy of prediction by one-leg standing time was measured by the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

Among the 65 patients, 38 (58.5%) experienced a fall 1 year after discharge. One-leg standing time of the affected side was not significantly associated with the falls (odds ratio: .89; 95% confidence interval: .79-1.01). When the fall incidents were assessed by area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve, one-leg standing time of the affected side was observed to have increased marginally to .93 (95% confidence interval: .87-.99) as compared to the traditional prediction mode area under the curve (area under the curve .88; 95% confidence interval: .81-.97).

CONCLUSIONS

One-leg standing time of the affected side may be considered as a moderately effective and simple assessment method for predicting postdischarge falls in a clinical setting.

The Role of Cognitive Factors in Predicting Balance and Fall Risk in a Neuro-Rehabilitation Setting

Introduction

There is a consistent body of evidence supporting the role of cognitive functions, particularly executive function, in the elderly and in neurological conditions which become more frequent with ageing. The aim of our study was to assess the role of different domains of cognitive functions to predict balance and fall risk in a sample of adults with various neurological conditions in a rehabilitation setting.

Methods

This was a prospective, cohort study conducted in a single centre in the UK. 114 participants consecutively admitted to a Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit were prospectively assessed for fall accidents. Baseline assessment included a measure of balance (Berg Balance Scale) and a battery of standard cognitive tests measuring executive function, speed of information processing, verbal and visual memory, visual perception and intellectual function. The outcomes of interest were the risk of becoming a faller, balance and fall rate.

Results

Two tests of executive function were significantly associated with fall risk, the Stroop Colour Word Test (IRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.03) and the number of errors on part B of the Trail Making Test (IRR 1.23, 95% CI 1.03–1.49). Composite scores of executive function, speed of information processing and visual memory domains resulted in 2 to 3 times increased likelihood of having better balance (OR 2.74 95% CI 1.08 to 6.94, OR 2.72 95% CI 1.16 to 6.36 and OR 2.44 95% CI 1.11 to 5.35 respectively).

Conclusions

Our results show that specific subcomponents of executive functions are able to predict fall risk, while a more global cognitive dysfunction is associated with poorer balance.