Article

Falls are common after stroke; however, circumstances and consequences are
relatively unknown. Our objectives were to identify the differences between
fallers and non-fallers among people with chronic stroke, identify the
circumstances of fall events, and examine the consequences of the falls. This is
a secondary data analysis; all participants included sustained a stroke.
Variables included demographics, stroke characteristics, and comorbidities. Falls
were collected via self-report, and circumstances and consequences were derived
from participant description of the event and categorized as appropriate. Among
160 participants, 53 (33%) reported a fall during the 1 yr period. Circumstances
of falls were categorized as intrinsic or extrinsic. Location and circumstance of
the fall were included: 70% occurred at home and 40% were associated with
impaired physical or mental state (e.g., inattention to tying shoes).
Additionally, 21% of falls were associated with activities of daily living and
mobility and 34% with slips or trips. The majority who fell sustained an injury
(72%). Injuries ranged from bruising to fractures, and 55% of those with an
injury sought medical care (32% to emergency department). Poststroke falls are
associated with an alarming rate of injury and healthcare utilization. Targeting
mental and physical states may be key to fall prevention.

Langue : ANGLAIS