Falls in independent ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury: incidence, associated factors and levels of ability.

STUDY DESIGN

A 6-month retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate incidence and factors associated with falls in independent ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), and to compare levels of ability in those with and without a history of falls.

SETTING

A tertiary rehabilitation center and community hospitals.

METHODS

Seventy-seven independent ambulatory subjects with SCI were interviewed for fall data during 6 months before participation in the study. Subjects were also assessed for their functional ability using the timed up and go test (TUGT) and the 6-min walk test (6MinWT).

RESULTS

Twenty-six subjects (34%) reported falls during 6 months (range 1-6 times). After falls, two subjects required medical attention due to wrist joint fracture and back pain. Walking without a walking device significantly increased the risk of fall, whereas using a walker significantly reduced the risk of fall (P<0.05). Moreover, faller subjects showed significantly better levels of ability than the non-faller subjects (P<0.005 for the TUGT and P<0.05 for the 6MinWT).

CONCLUSION

Approximately one-third of the independent ambulatory subjects with SCI experienced falls. Notably, faller subjects had better functional ability than the non-faller subjects. Thus, apart from emphasizing the ability to walk independently, rehabilitation professionals may need to seek strategies that improve balance and safety.