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Citation
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Gazibara T, Kisic Tepavcevic D, Svetel M, Tomić A, Stankovic I, Kostić VS, Pekmezović T. Clin. Neurol. Neurosurg. 2017; 161: 51-55. |
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Affiliation
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Institute of Epidemiology, Visegradska 26a, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia. Electronic address: pekmezovic@sezampro.rs. |
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Abstract
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OBJECTIVES: To describe circumstances of near-falls among persons with Parkinson's disease (PD), assess factors associated with near-falling and assess whether near-falls in the first 6 months are associated with falling in the latter 6 months over one year of follow-up.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the period August 2011-December 2012, 120 consecutive persons with PD, who denied having fallen in the past 6 months, were recruited at Clinical center of Serbia in Belgrade. Occurrence of falling and near-falls was followed for one year.
RESULTS: A total of 31 persons with PD (25.8%) experienced near-falls, but did not fall. Of 42 fallers, 32 (76.2%) experienced near-falls. Tripping was the most common cause of near-falls among fallers, whereas postural instability was the most common in non-fallers. Regardless of falling experience, the most common manner to avoid fall was holding onto furniture or wall. After adjustment for multiple motor and non-motor PD features, more severe freezing of gait was associated with occurrence of near-falls over one year of follow-up (odds ratio [OR]=1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.16; p=0.043). Adjusted regression analysis did not show associations between near-falling in the first 6 months and falling in the latter 6 months of follow-up.
CONCLUSION: Near-falls commonly occur in persons with PD. More severe freezing of gait appears to predispose near-falling. Fall prevention programs focusing on balance maintenance when experiencing freezing of gait could potentially be useful in reduction of near-falls.
Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Language: en |