OBJECTIVE

To compare length of stay, functional status, and discharge destination between individuals who fell during inpatient stroke rehabilitation and those who did not fall.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Rehabilitation hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals who fell during inpatient stroke rehabilitation (n=106; fallers group; mean age, 67.8±12.9y; mean time poststroke, 26.4±28.3d) were matched to individuals who did not fall (n=106; nonfallers group; mean age, 67.3±13.6y; mean time poststroke, 21.9±28.8d) on age and functional status (N=212).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Total length of stay, FIM assessed at discharge, and discharge destination.

RESULTS

The mean length of stay for fallers was 11 days longer than nonfallers (P=.0017). Nonfallers and fallers did not differ on discharge total FIM scores (P=.19), and both groups were discharged home after inpatient rehabilitation (nonfallers: 77%; fallers: 74%; P=.52).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that falls experienced during inpatient stroke rehabilitation may have contributed to a longer length of stay; however, falls did not affect discharge functional status or discharge destination.