Article

OBJECTIVE: To explore how persons with late effects of polio experience falls and
what strategies they use to manage the consequences of falls. DESIGN: A
qualitative study with face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed by systematic
text condensation. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen ambulatory persons
(7 women; mean age
70 years) with late effects of polio. RESULTS: Analysis resulted in one main
theme, "Everyday life is a challenge to avoid the consequences of falls", and 3
categories with 7 subcategories. Participants perceived that falls were
unpredictable and could occur anywhere. Even slightly uneven surfaces could cause
a fall, and increased impairments following late effects of polio led to reduced
movement control and an inability to adjust balance quickly. Physical injuries
were described after the falls, as well as emotional and psychological reactions,
such as embarrassment, frustration and fear of falling. Assistive devices,
careful planning and strategic thinking were strategies to prevent falls,
together with adaptation and social comparisons to mitigate the emotional
reactions. CONCLUSION: Experiences of falls greatly affect persons with late
effects of polio in daily life. To reduce falls and fall-related consequences
both problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies are used. In order to
increase daily functioning, these findings should be included in a multifaceted
falls management programme.

Langue : ANGLAIS