Fear of falling in acute stroke: The Fall Study of Gothenburg (FallsGOT)

• Objective: Little is known about which factors are associated with a patient’s fear of falling (FoF) after acute stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate baseline variables and their association with FoF during rehabilitation in acute stroke. Patients and methods: The study population consisted of the 462 patients with acute stroke who were admitted to a stroke unit, included in the observational study “The Fall Study in Gothenburg (FallsGOT)” and were able to answer a single question: “Are you afraid of falling?” (Yes/No). To analyze any association between FoF and clinical variables, univariable and multivariable stepwise multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: In the stepwise multivariable regression analysis, only female sex (OR=2.25 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46–3.46, p=0.0002]), the use of a walking aid (OR 3.40, [95% CI 2.12–5.43, p<0.0001]), and postural control as assessed with the SwePASS total score were statistically significant associated with FoF. Among patients with a SwePASS score of 24 or less, the OR was 9.41 [95% CI 5.13–17.25, p<0.0001] for FoF compared to patients with a SwePASS score of 31 or above; among the patients with a SwePASS score of 25–30, the OR was 2.29 [95% CI=1.36–3.83, p=0.0017]. Conclusions: Our findings provide valuable insight for those involved in stroke rehabilitation during the acute phase after stroke. FoF is associated with poor postural control, female sex and the use of a walking aid. © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Sjukgymnastik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Physiotherapy (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Acute stroke

fear of falling

postural balance

rehabilitation

aged

Article

body position

cerebrovascular accident

controlled study

disease association

falling

female

hospital admission

human

major clinical study

male

observational study

stroke rehabilitation

stroke unit

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ref (ämneskategori)

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