What are the perceptions and experiences of falls amongst people with stroke who live in the community?

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the perceived negative consequences of falls amongst people with stroke, and the potential contribution of falls to the reduced levels of physical activity often seen following a stroke. Our findings emphasise the need to address falls and balance related self-efficacy alongside strategies to promote safe mobility. A paradigm shift may be needed to highlight potentially modifiable intrinsic risk factors and emphasise the relevance and value of proactive fall prevention to people with stroke. Implications for rehabilitation People with stroke may not report falls or may minimise their significance, using alternative terms such as trips and stumbles. Rehabilitation staff need to approach falls in a way that emphasises the positive value of reporting and addressing falls management proactively. People with stroke may focus on extrinsic rather than intrinsic factors, so it is important to identify and highlight potentially modifiable intrinsic falls risks during assessment and treatment. Falls are associated with the use of mobility aids, and people frequently report using multiple aids obtained from a range of sources. Our study findings suggest that assessment and education about the appropriate use of mobility aids should be integral to stroke-specific falls interventions. Falls are often associated with activity reduction and avoidance, which could contribute to reduced participation and increased secondary issues. Approaches to encourage ph...
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Source Type: research