Fear of Falling in Patients with Chronic Stroke: Differences of Functional Gait and Balance Measures According to the Level of Concern about Falling

In this study we investigated the differences of functional gait and balance measures between patients with chronic stroke with different level of concern about falling.
Fifty-four patients with chronic stroke participated in this observational, cross-sectional study. The level of concern relating to falls was assessed by using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Thirty-three patients were classified as slightly concerned about falling, while twenty-one patients were highly concerned. Patients performed functional gait and balance tests including Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up & Go test, 10 Meter Walking Test and Functional Gait Assessment. The difference in outcome measures between the two groups was determined by an independent t-test.
All functional gait and balance tests of patients with high concern about falling were poorer than those for patients with slight concern.
The level of concern relating to falls may influence gait and balance performance in individuals with chronic stroke and should be addressed in traditional gait and balance rehabilitation programs.