Article

Ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) encounter a high
risk of falls. However, most of the fall data in the literature were subjectively
reported, without evidence to confirm the functional ability of those with and
without falls. The purpose of this study was to prospectively
evaluate changes in functional ability relating to falls in participants with SCI
who fell and those who did not fall during the 6-month period after discharge.
DESIGN: A 6-month prospective design was used in the study. METHOD: Fifty
independent ambulatory participants with SCI were assessed for their functional
ability using the Timed "Up & Go" Test, 10-Meter Walk Test, Berg Balance Scale,
and Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) prior to discharge and 6 months afterward. After
discharge, the participants' fall data were monitored monthly to categorize them
into faller (>/=1 fall in 6 months) and nonfaller (no fall) groups. RESULTS:
Twenty-seven participants (54%) fell, and their baseline functional abilities
were obviously lower than those who did not fall. After 6 months, the functional
ability of these participants showed significant improvement for every test,
whereas those who did not fall demonstrated a significant improvement only for
the 6MWT. After adjusting for the baseline data, the functional ability at 6
months showed no significant differences between the groups. LIMITATIONS: The
study did not monitor physical activities of the participants during the
follow-up period. The findings on fear of falling were subjectively reported by
the participants. CONCLUSIONS: Participants with SCI are commonly characterized
as being active and enthusiastic, which may drive their physical activities.
However, sensorimotor impairments following SCI hinder their ability to move
safely, particularly in those with more functional deterioration. Therefore,
greater functional improvement is accompanied by a higher risk of falls. Because
falls can induce serious consequences, rehabilitation professionals may need to
seek strategies to improve safety issues during movement for these patients,
particularly in their own environments.

Langue : ANGLAIS