Polio survivors: falls and subsequent injuries.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the frequency of falls in polio survivors and their resulting morbidity.


METHODS
Two groups, fallers vs. nonfallers, were investigated in this descriptive study. A total of 233 polio survivors volunteered to complete a structured questionnaire on fall history and sequelae.


RESULTS
Of the study participants, 64% had fallen within the previous year, and 61% had falls for which they received medical attention, including 35% who had at least one fracture. There was not a correlation between age and falling, but there was a strong correlation between tripping and falling.


CONCLUSIONS
Falls with resultant injuries are a significant issue for polio survivors that warrants further study. Because tripping was predictive of falling in this sample, bracing should be considered as a treatment or preventative measure.
Silver
Julie K
JK
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Aiello
Dorothy D
DD
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001915:Braces; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011051:Poliomyelitis / Q000150:complications*; D017741:Survivors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology*