Factors Associated with Recurrent Falls in Individuals with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury – a Multi-Center Study

Publication date: Available online 27 May 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Vivien Jørgensen, Emelie Butler Forslund, Erika Franzén, Arve Opheim, Åke Seiger, Agneta Ståhle, Claes Hultling, Johan K. Stanghelle, Kerstin Wahman, Kirsti Skavberg Roaldsen
ObjectiveTo identify factors associated with recurrent falls in individuals with traumatic SCI.DesignCross-sectional multi-center study.SettingTwo specialized Rehabilitation Centers in EuropeParticipantsIncluded: individuals with traumatic SCI ≥1 year post-injury, ≥ 18 years of age. Excluded: individuals with motor complete injuries above C5 or below L5. Participants were consecutively recruited at regular follow-up. Totally 224 individuals (151 wheelchair users, 73 ambulatory), 77% men, mean age 50 (SD 15) years, median 15 (range 1-56) years since injury were included.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasurePrimary outcome was factors associated with recurrent falls (defined as low frequent [0-2] or recurrent [>2]), the previous year. Independent variables were demographic data, wheelchair user or ambulatory, work, health-related quality of life, risk willingness, alcohol consumption, ability to get up from the ground, and exercise habits.ResultsFifty percent reported recurrent falls. In the final multiple logistic regression model, ambulation (odds ratio [OR] = 2.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33-5.37), ability to get up from the ground (OR= 2.22, 95% CI= 1.21-4.10),) and regular exercise (OR= 1.86, 95% CI= 1.05-3.31), were associated with recurrent falls (p≤0.05), and with increasing age the OR decreased (OR= 0.97, 95% CI= 0.95-0.99).ConclusionIndividuals with SCI should be considered at risk of recurrent falls, and thereby at risk of fall-related injuries. Fall prevention programs should be focused on ambulatory, younger and more active individuals who had the highest risks for recurrent falls.



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