The aim of this study was to compare post-stroke hemiparetic subjects with and without history of falls over the last six months by using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) components. Sixteen community-dwelling hemiparetic subjects without history of falls (62.3±16.6 years, time since stroke 38±48.3 months), and 16 with history of fall(s) (60.9±17 years, time since stroke 47.9±50.8 months) of both sexes and able to walk, with or without assistive devices, were assessed as to ICF components body functions and structures (torque of the paretic limb quadriceps muscle and depression, by the geriatric depression scale), activities (natural and maximal gait speed, timed up-and-go test and Berg balance scale), and participation (by the Nottingham health profile and the stroke-specific quality of life scale). Groups were statistically compared at significance level α<0.05. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups as to age, gender or time since stroke (0.56<p<0.82), neither as to all measured features (torque, depression, gait speed, balance, health-related quality of life (0.12<p<0.60). Therefore, stroke subjects with history of falls were similar to those without history of falls in all measures related to the ICF, suggesting that non-analysed environmental factors might be more related to falls of hemiparetic post-stroke subjects.
Accidental falls; International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; Stroke
