%0 Journal Article
%T Early prediction of falls after stroke: a 12
%A Carina M Samuelsson
%A Carina U Persson
%A Per-Olof Hansson
%J Clinical Rehabilitation
%@ 1477-0873
%D 2019
%R 10.1177/0269215518819701
%X To identify the incidence of falls and factors present shortly after stroke, which are associated with the occurrence of falls over the first 12£¿months after stroke onset, following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Prospective follow-up study. Stroke unit and outpatient department. A total of 490 individuals with acute stroke. Postural control was assessed using the Swedish modified version of the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients. Data on self-reported falls were collected using a standardized questionnaire at three£¿months after discharge and six and 12£¿months after stroke onset. Associations between characteristics during the acute phase after a stroke and falls after six and 12£¿months were investigated using univariable and multivariable regression analyses. The endpoint was a self-reported fall. Within three£¿months after discharge, 38 of 165 respondents (23%) had experienced at least one fall. Within six and 12£¿months after stroke onset, respectively, 108 of 376 (29%) and 140 of 348 (40%) of the respondents had experienced at least one fall. Poor postural control (odds ratio 3.92, 95% confidence interval 2.07¨C7.45, P£¿<£¿0.0001) and using a walking aid (odds ratio 2.84, 95% confidence interval 1.71¨C4.72, P£¿<£¿0.0001) were predictors of falls after discharge within 12£¿months after stroke onset. The same variables were independent predictors of falls within six£¿months. Poor postural control and using a walking aid in the acute phase after a stroke are associated with falls after discharge from a stroke unit within 12£¿months after stroke onset
%K Accidental falls
%K stroke
%K postural balance
%K rehabilitation
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0269215518819701