[Incidence, circumstances and consequences of falls in subjects with stroke: One year of follow-up]

Abstract

Introduction: Falls are among the most frequent complications following stroke (CVA), and have a negative impact on rehabilitation.

Objectives: To study the incidence, circumstances, and consequences of falls in stroke patients up to 12months after starting outpatient kinetic treatment.

Materials and methods: Prospective design, case series. Consecutive sampling. Patients admitted to the day hospital between June 2019 and May 2020. Included: adults with a diagnosis of first supratentorial stroke and functional ambulatory category score ≥3.

Exclusion criteria: other condition affecting locomotion.

Main variables: number of falls, circumstances, and consequences. Clinical, demographic, and functional characteristics were measured.

Results: Twenty-one subjects were included, 13 suffered at least one fall. The subjects reported 41 falls: 15 were to the most affected side, 35 inside the home, 28 without the indicated equipment, they were alone when the event occurred on 29 occasions, and in two situations medical assistance was required. There were statistically significant differences (P<.05) in functional performance (balance, gait velocity) between those who fell and those who did not. No significant differences were found between gait endurance and falls.

Conclusion: More than half suffered a fall, alone, to the weaker side, and without the appropriate equipment. With this information the incidence could be reduced by preventive measures.

Keywords: Accident prevention; Accidente cerebrovascular; Accidentes por caídas; Falling accidents; Prevención de accidentes; Rehabilitación; Rehabilitation; Stroke.