fear of falling in patients with chronic stroke: differences of functional gait and balance measures according to the level of concern about falling

background: in this study we investigated the differences of functional gait and balance measures between patients with chronic stroke with different level of concern about falling. methods: fifty-four patients with chronic stroke participated in this observational, cross-sectional study. the level of concern relating to falls was assessed by using the falls efficacy scale-international. thirty-three patients were classified as slightly concerned about falling, while twenty-one patients were highly concerned. patients performed functional gait and balance tests including berg balance scale, timed up & go test, 10 meter walking test and functional gait assessment. the difference in outcome measures between the two groups was determined by an independent t-test. results: all functional gait and balance tests of patients with high concern about falling were poorer than those for patients with slight concern. conclusion: the level of concern relating to falls may influence gait and balance performance in individuals with chronic stroke and should be addressed in traditional gait and balance rehabilitation programs.