title: Development and Process Evaluation of a 5-Week Exercise Program to Prevent Falls in People after Stroke: The FALLS Program.
abstract: Falls are a common complication after stroke, with balance and gait deficits being the most important risk factors. Taking into account the specific needs and capacities of people with stroke, we developed the FALLS program (FALL prevention after Stroke), based on the "Nijmegen falls prevention program" (a proven-effective 5-week exercise program designed for community-dwelling elderly people). The program was tested in twelve community-dwelling persons with stroke, and a process evaluation was conducted with patients, trainers, health care professionals, and managers. The FALLS program was considered suitable and feasible by people with stroke in the study and relevant health care professionals, and recommendations for implementation in clinical practice have been suggested.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Nijmegen Centre for Evidence Based Practice, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: H J R
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: van Duijnhoven
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: De Kam
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hellebrand
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Smulders
authors.forename: A C H
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Geurts
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Weerdesteyn