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 .
Falls and gait disturbances in Huntington's disease.
Falls are common in patients with Huntington 's disease , but the incidence , falling circumstances and contributing factors have never been examined . We recorded falls in 45 early to midstage Huntington 's disease patients , both retrospectively ( 12 months ) and prospect ively ( 3 months ) . Fall rates were related to relevant baseline measures , including the Unified Huntington 's Disease Rating Scale ( UHDRS ) and quantitative measures of balance ( using angular velocity sensors ) and gait ( using a pressure-sensitive walkway ) . Balance and gait measures were compared between patients and 27 healthy age-matched controls . Twenty-seven patients ( 60 % ) reported two or more  falls  in the previous year and were classified as fallers . During prospect i ve follow-up 40 % reported at least one fall . A high proportion of falls ( 72.5 % ) caused minor injuries . Compared to nonfallers , fallers showed significantly higher scores for chorea , bradykinesia and aggression , as well as lower cognitive scores . Compared to controls , Huntington patients had a decreased gait velocity ( 1.15 m/s versus 1.45 m/s , P < 0.001 ) and a decreased stride length ( 1.29 m versus 1.52 m , P < 0.001 ) . These abnormalities were all significantly greater in fallers compared to nonfallers . In addition , fallers had an increased stride length variability and a significantly greater trunk sway in medio-lateral direction compared to nonfallers . We conclude that falls are common in Huntington 's disease . Contributing factors include a combination of " motor " deficits ( mainly gait bradykinesia , stride variability and chorea , leading to excessive trunk sway ) , as well as cognitive decline and perhaps behavioral changes . These factors should be considered as future targets for therapies that aim to reduce falls in Huntington 's disease
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 .