Predicting the probability of falls in community dwelling persons with brain injury: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the usefulness of select balance and functional mobility measures in predicting fall risk in community dwelling persons with brain injury (BI) and to develop a model to quantify fall risk.


METHODS
An exploratory pilot study to predict fall risk in persons with BI. Non-manipulated independent variable was fall status with two levels, non-faller and faller. Dependent variables were scores on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) and the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES); age, gender, supervision required and assistive device use.


METHODS
Twenty-six participants recruited from support groups and community re-entry programmes were divided into two groups, fallers and non-fallers. The FES, BBS and DGI were administered.


RESULTS
T-tests and chi-square tests revealed between group differences for age, FES, BBS, DGI and assistive device use. Spearman's rho statistic showed moderate relationships among the variables, FES, BBS, DGI and assistive device use. Logistic regression determined the DGI to best predict fall risk.


CONCLUSIONS
This study developed a predictive model that could be used by therapists to determine an individual's fall risk in the home or outpatient settings. Assessing risk allows therapists to identify individuals who would benefit from intervention designed to improve balance and gait ability, possibly preventing future falls and a second head injury.
Medley
Ann
A
School of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman's University, 8194 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75231-4365, USA. smedley@twu.edu
Thompson
Mary
M
French
Jennifer
J
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D020208:Brain Injury, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data