Is Intervention to Prevent Falls Necessary in Prior Polio Patients?

Overview

Journal J Rehabil Med Clin Commun

Specialty Rehabilitation Medicine

Date 2021 Apr 22

PMID 33884127

Citations 1

Authors

Katarina Skough Vreede

Lisbet Broman

Kristian Borg

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether intervention to prevent falls is necessary in prior polio patients, by identifying the frequency, circumstances and consequences of falls among patients in Sweden with prior polio.

Subjects: Patients with prior polio diagnosis.

Methods: A falls history questionnaire was completed by patients with prior polio visiting the outpatient clinic at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Danderyd University Hospital, Stock-holm, Sweden, or participating in group activities organized by the patient organization.

Results: A total of 80 patients answered the questionnaire; 32 men and 48 women. Eighty-one percent ( = 63/77) of respondents walked outdoors, but rarely more than 1 km, or only inside and near the house. Three-quarters of patients had fallen one or more times over the past year and one-quarter of patients had fallen 5 times or more. The falls often occurred during daytime in an environment known to the patient. Sixty-nine percent ( = 40/58) of respondents had been injured due to falling during the past year. The most common injuries were minor injuries.

Conclusion: Falls are common in patients in Sweden with prior polio. Interventions to prevent falls in people with prior polio are therefore clinically relevant.

Citing Articles

Falls in Post-Polio Patients: Prevalence and Risk Factors.

Ofran Y, Schwartz I, Shabat S, Seyres M, Karniel N, Portnoy S Biology (Basel). 2021; 10(11).

PMID: 34827103 PMC: 8614826. DOI: 10.3390/biology10111110.

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