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Falls in individuals with stroke

Vivian Weerdesteyn, PhD, PT, et al.

Figure. Interplay between physical decline, fall frequency, postural instability, and quality of life (QOL) in persons with stroke.

Falls are the number one complication after acute stroke and remain a great health concern during the rest of the person's life. This continued concern is particularly due to the consequences of falls. For instance, individuals with stroke are more likely to sustain a hip fracture due to falling. Therefore, falls and their prevention are important issues for every person involved in stroke care. Interventions to prevent falling in these persons are still scarce. A few studies investigated the efficacy of exercise programs and assistive devices and clearly indicated that falls in stroke can indeed be prevented.


Volume 45 Number 8, 2008
   Pages 1195 — 1214

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