Relationship of Balance and Mobility to Fall Incidence in People With Chronic Stroke

Abstract

Clinicians should be cautious when using the BBS or gait speed to determine fall risk in this population. Falls occurred frequently during walking; it may be necessary to focus on reactive balance and environmental interaction when assessing individuals for risk of falls and devising fall prevention programs for individuals with chronic stroke. The authors' observations suggest that the prescription of 4-wheel walkers for individuals with a low BBS score (</=45) may be a mobility aid that could reduce the risk of falls.