Among the multiple risk factors studied , a reduced performance in balance and gait was consistently associated with falls , while the contribution of single physical and cognitive impairments was variable in different population s. Walking aids , wheelchair characteristics and environmental hazards are significant environmental risk factors .
Falling is a common problem among young patients affected by neurological disorders , although the risk of falling for a specific individual is difficult to predict and the risk of a severe fall-related injury has not yet been established .
IMPLICATION S FOR REHABILITATION Young patients with impaired gait and balance or medium to severe motor disability appear to be at increased risk of falling .
Patients who are relatively independent and still participating in challenging activities have an increased exposure to fall-risk .
Walking aids , wheelchair characteristics and environmental hazards are significant environmental risk factors .
PURPOSE To review systematic ally the literature on fall risk factors for young patients affected by neurological disorders .
A Pilot Study of Factors Associated With Falls in Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Abstract Background / Objective : To determine factors associated with falls among a sample of ambulatory individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury ( SCI ) . Study Design : Cross-sectional mail survey . Methods : A survey instrument of participant characteristics and fall-related variables was developed using relevant items from existing measures and was mailed to 221 individuals with incomplete SCI , who were identified from records of a large specialty hospital in the southeastern United States . Of the 221 prospect i ve participants , 119 completed the question naire ( 54 % ) . Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors that were independently associated with having had a fall in the past year . Results : After adjusting for covariates , having fallen in the past year was significantly ( P < 0.05 ) associated with greater numbers of medical conditions ( odds ratio [ OR ] = 1.3 ; 95 % confidence interval [ Cl ] = 1.0 - 1.7 ) , having arthritis ( OR = 3.4 , 95 % Cl = 1.2 - 9.6 ) , experiencing dizziness ( OR = 5.6 , 95 % Cl = 1.1 - 27.7 ) , greater numbers of days with poor physical health ( OR = 1.1 ; 95 % Cl = 1.0 - 1.3 ) , and the restriction of community activities because of fear of falling ( OR = 1.5 , 95 % Cl = 1.1 - 2.1 ) . The multivariable models also showed that the odds of having fallen were significantly lower among those with better current perceived physical health ( OR = 0.5 ; 95 % Cl = 0.3 - 0.9 ) , those with better perceived health compared to a year ago ( OR = 0.4 ; 95 % Cl = 0.2 - 0.8 ) , individuals who exercised more frequently ( OR = 0.2 ; 95 % Cl = 0.1 - 0.7 ) , and those who used a walker ( OR = 0.3 ; 95 % CI = 0.1 - 0.9 ) . Conclusions : Results suggest that interventions that address  exercise frequency , walker use , and dizziness have promise for reducing falls for individuals with incomplete SCI
Among the multiple risk factors studied , a reduced performance in balance and gait was consistently associated with falls , while the contribution of single physical and cognitive impairments was variable in different population s. Walking aids , wheelchair characteristics and environmental hazards are significant environmental risk factors .
Falling is a common problem among young patients affected by neurological disorders , although the risk of falling for a specific individual is difficult to predict and the risk of a severe fall-related injury has not yet been established .
IMPLICATION S FOR REHABILITATION Young patients with impaired gait and balance or medium to severe motor disability appear to be at increased risk of falling .
Patients who are relatively independent and still participating in challenging activities have an increased exposure to fall-risk .
Walking aids , wheelchair characteristics and environmental hazards are significant environmental risk factors .
PURPOSE To review systematic ally the literature on fall risk factors for young patients affected by neurological disorders .