title: Fall experiences of persons with fibromyalgia over 6 months.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe circumstances and consequences of falls occurring among persons with fibromyalgia who had recent falls.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Fibromyalgia is a common widespread pain condition that has been linked to increased fall-risk. No published research described experiences of falling in persons with fibromyalgia. Prior to development of fall-risk reduction interventions, it is essential to understand the context of falls and fall experiences in persons with fibromyalgia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive longitudinal study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study took place during 2009; data were collected via fall diaries and interviews in 18 US women ages 21-69 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over 6 months, 17 of 18 participants fell or had a near-fall. For the 15 women with 6-month fall-prevalence data, median number of falls was 2, with 3 near-falls. Most fall experiences contained intrinsic and extrinsic contributory factors. Participants reported engaging in various activities prior to falls/near-falls. A substantial minority (32-48%) experienced severe symptoms (pain, fatigue, stiffness) at the time. Most falls/near-falls occurred in homes during the day; one resulted in injury. Themes that were identified included the following: always being careful or generally cautious; fear of losing control of one's body, especially related to balance; desire to continue activities counterbalanced with frustration at not being able to because of fear of falling; perception of having become clumsy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses caring for persons with fibromyalgia should assess for potential fall-risk factors and offer plans for individualized fall-prevention strategies.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, California State University, Fullerton, California, USA. drutledge@fullerton.edu
authors.forename: Dana N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Rutledge
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.forename: Theresa Kengen
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Traska
authors.forename: Debra J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Rose
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005239:Fear / Q000941:ethics; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult