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Citation
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Jørgensen V, Forslund EB, Franzén E, Opheim A, Seiger Å, Ståhle A, Hultling C, Stanghelle JK, Wahman K, Roaldsen KS. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2016; 97(11): 1908-1916. |
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Affiliation
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Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Stockholm, Sweden; Rehab Station Stockholm/Spinalis R&D unit, Stockholm, Sweden. |
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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with recurrent falls in individuals with traumatic SCI.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional multi-center study. SETTING: Two specialized Rehabilitation Centers in Europe PARTICIPANTS: Included: individuals with traumatic SCI ≥1 year post-injury, ≥ 18 years of age. Excluded: individuals with motor complete injuries above C5 or below L5. Participants were consecutively recruited at regular follow-up. Totally 224 individuals (151 wheelchair users, 73 ambulatory), 77% men, mean age 50 (SD 15) years, median 15 (range 1-56) years since injury were included. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Primary outcome was factors associated with recurrent falls (defined as low frequent [0-2] or recurrent [>2]), the previous year. Independent variables were demographic data, wheelchair user or ambulatory, work, health-related quality of life, risk willingness, alcohol consumption, ability to get up from the ground, and exercise habits.
RESULTS: Fifty percent reported recurrent falls. In the final multiple logistic regression model, ambulation (odds ratio [OR] = 2.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33-5.37), ability to get up from the ground (OR= 2.22, 95% CI= 1.21-4.10),) and regular exercise (OR= 1.86, 95% CI= 1.05-3.31), were associated with recurrent falls (p≤0.05), and with increasing age the OR decreased (OR= 0.97, 95% CI= 0.95-0.99).
CONCLUSION: Individuals with SCI should be considered at risk of recurrent falls, and thereby at risk of fall-related injuries. Fall prevention programs should be focused on ambulatory, younger and more active individuals who had the highest risks for recurrent falls.
Copyright © 2015 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Language: en |