Predicting the probability of falls in community dwelling persons with brain injury: A pilot study

Abstract

Primary objectives: 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.

Research design: 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 and procedures: 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.

Main outcomes and 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.

• Fall prevention
• musculoskeletal equilibrium
• brain injuries