Is Intervention to Prevent Falls Necessary in Prior Polio Patients?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether intervention to prevent falls is necessary in prior polio patients, by identifying the frequency, circumstances and consequences of falls among patients in Sweden with prior polio. SUBJECTS: Patients with prior polio diagnosis. METHODS: A falls history questionnaire was completed by patients with prior polio visiting the outpatient clinic at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Danderyd University Hospital, Stock-holm, Sweden, or participating in group activities organized by the patient organization. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients answered the questionnaire; 32 men and 48 women. Eighty-one percent (n = 63/77) of respondents walked outdoors, but rarely more than 1 km, or only inside and near the house. Three-quarters of patients had fallen one or more times over the past year and one-quarter of patients had fallen 5 times or more. The falls often occurred during daytime in an environment known to the patient. Sixty-nine percent (n = 40/58) of respondents had been injured due to falling during the past year. The most common injuries were minor injuries. CONCLUSION: Falls are common in patients in Sweden with prior polio. Interventions to prevent falls in people with prior polio are therefore clinically relevant.