Polio survivors: falls and subsequent injuries.

Abstract

This study examines the frequency of falls in polio survivors and their resulting morbidity. Two groups, fallers vs. nonfallers, were investigated in this descriptive study. A total of 233 polio survivors volunteered to complete a structured questionnaire on fall history and sequelae. Of the study participants, 64% had fallen within the previous year, and 61% had falls for which they received medical attention, including 35% who had at least one fracture. There was not a correlation between age and falling, but there was a strong correlation between tripping and falling. Falls with resultant injuries are a significant issue for polio survivors that warrants further study. Because tripping was predictive of falling in this sample, bracing should be considered as a treatment or preventative measure.