TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2010//
TI  - Circumstances and consequences of falls in polio survivors
JO  - Journal of rehabilitation medicine
A1  - Bickerstaffe, Alice
A1  - Beelen, Anita
A1  - Nollet, Frans
SP  - 908
EP  - 915
VL  - 42
IS  - 10
N2  - OBJECTIVES: Many polio survivors have symptoms that are known risk factors for falls in elderly people. This study aims to determine the: (i) frequency; (ii) consequences; (iii) circumstances; and (iv) factors associated with falls in polio survivors. METHODS: A survey was conducted among 376 polio survivors. Participants completed a falls history questionnaire and additional information was obtained from their medical files. RESULTS: Of the 305 respondents, 74% reported at least one fall in the past year and 60% two or more. Sixteen percent of fallers described a major injury after a fall in the last year and 69% reported fear of falling. One-third of fallers had reduced the amount they walked because of their fear of falling. Most reported falls in a familiar environment (86%), during ambulation (72%) and in the afternoon (50%). Quadriceps weakness of the weakest leg (Medical Research Council (MRC) ≤ 3), fear of falling and complaints of problems maintaining balance were independently associated with both falls and recurrent falls, while increasing age and medication use were not. CONCLUSION: The high rate of falls and consequences thereof, merit the implementation of fall intervention strategies. To maximize effect, they should be tailor-made and target the fall mechanisms specific to polio survivors.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1650-1977
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.2340/16501977-0620
ID  - ref1
ER  -