Falls and Use of Assistive Devices in Stroke Patients with Hemiparesis: Association with Balance Ability and Fall Efficacy.

PURPOSE This study investigates balance ability and the fall efficacy with regard to the experiences of stroke patients with hemiparesis. METHODS The experience of falling, the use of assistive devices, and each disease-related characteristic were assessed using face-to-face interviews and a self-reported questionnaire. The Berg Balance Scale and Fall Efficacy Scale were used to measure balance ability and confidence. RESULTS The fall efficacy was significantly lower in participants who had experienced falls than those who had not. The participants who used assistive devices exhibited low balance ability and fall efficacy compared to those who did not use assistive devices. CONCLUSIONS Stroke patients with fall experience and walking aids might be considered at increased risk of falling. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Preventive measures for individuals using walking aids may be beneficial in reducing the fall rate of community-dwelling stroke patients.