Falls After Stroke: A Study Comparing Stroke Survivors and Controls
Author Information
Author(s): Simpson Lisa A., Miller William C., Eng Janice J.
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
Are individuals recently discharged from stroke rehabilitation at a higher risk of falls compared to age and sex matched controls?
Conclusion
Individuals recently discharged home are at greater risk of falling than individuals without stroke.
Supporting Evidence
- Individuals with stroke fell 1.77 times more than the control group.
- 59% of falls in the stroke group occurred at home.
- Poorer balance was associated with greater falls in both groups.
Takeaway
People who have had a stroke are more likely to fall at home than those who haven't had a stroke. It's important to make homes safer for them.
Methodology
The study followed 80 stroke survivors and 90 controls for 13 months, assessing falls and related factors.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported falls and participant selection.
Limitations
The study only included ambulatory individuals recently discharged from stroke rehabilitation.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of stroke group was 67.6 years, with 27.5% female; control group mean age was 68.4 years, with 34.4% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.009
Confidence Interval
1.149–2.716
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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