Fear of falling in acute stroke: The Fall Study of Gothenburg (FallsGOT)

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective Little is known about which factors are associated with a patient’s fear of falling (FoF) after acute stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate baseline variables and their association with FoF during rehabilitation in acute stroke.Patients and methods The study population consisted of the 462 patients with acute stroke who were admitted to a stroke unit, included in the observational study “The Fall Study in Gothenburg (FallsGOT)” and were able to answer a single question: “Are you afraid of falling?” (Yes/No). To analyze any association between FoF and clinical variables, univariable and multivariable stepwise multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.Results In the stepwise multivariable regression analysis, only female sex (OR = 2.25 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46–3.46, p = 0.0002]), the use of a walking aid (OR 3.40, [95% CI 2.12–5.43, p < 0.0001]), and postural control as assessed with the SwePASS total score were statistically significant associated with FoF. Among patients with a SwePASS score of 24 or less, the OR was 9.41 [95% CI 5.13–17.25, p < 0.0001] for FoF compared to patients with a SwePASS score of 31 or above; among the patients with a SwePASS score of 25–30, the OR was 2.29 [95% CI = 1.36–3.83, p = 0.0017].Conclusions Our findings provide valuable insight for those involved in stroke rehabilitation during the acute phase after stroke. FoF is associated with poor postural control, female sex and the use of a walking aid.