This observational study investigated the relationship between balance, mobility
and falls in 72 hemiplegic stroke inpatients, with the aim of developing a
model for predicting fall risk. Fall history was recorded by interview, balance was
assessed using the Berg Balance Scale(BBS) and activities of daily living were
evaluated using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Variables
differing between fallers and non-fallers were identified, and a stepwise regression
analysis was performed to identify a combination of variables that effectively
predicted fall status. Fallers (occasional and repeat; n = 27) had a shorter time
from stroke onset, lower FIM scores on admission and discharge, lower BBS and
Mini-Mental State Examination scores, a greater age and longer length of hospital
stay compared with non-fallers (all differences were significant). A logistic
model for predicting falls showed that BBS at admission was significantly related to
falls, with fallers having lower BBS score sat admission (cut-off ≤ 29; sensitivity 80%;
specificity 78%). These data suggest BBS is a sensitive and specific measure for identifying stroke patients at risk of falling.