Characteristics of Outpatients Reporting Recurrent Falls in a Fall Prevention Clinic

• Published in: Clinical kinesiology (2003) Vol. 58; no. 1
• Main Authors: Skolnick, Adam H, Perell, Karen L, Manzano, Maria L, Opava-Rutter, Dorene, Castle, Steven C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2004
• ISSN: 0896-9620

The objective of this study was to identify characteristics which distinguished idiopathic recurrent fallers and individuals reporting one or no falls. A retrospective chart review of patients referred to an outpatient, multidisciplinary fall prevention clinic was conducted in a large urban Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Data collected per standard fall prevention clinic protocol included a self-reported history and performance tests (Tinetti Gait & Balance and Berg Balance tests). Exclusion criteria for the study were Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral vascular accident with residual impairment. Of the 163 charts reviewed, 98 were included. Charts were grouped according to self-reported falls in the three-month period prior to attending the clinic: 0-1 fall (n = 50) and greater than or equal to 2 falls (n = 48). Individuals in the greater than or equal to 2 falls group had significantly higher Geriatric Depression Scores, were more likely to report the sensation of self and/or surroundings spinning, more likely to report a fear of falling, and less likely to report receiving training for use of assistive devices. All other demographic (e.g., age, body mass index, visual impairment, diabetes, medications for sleep or depression) were equally distributed between the two groups. In conclusion, the characteristics which distinguish recurrent fallers from individuals reporting one or no falls may be amenable to Kinesiotherapy interventions.