The impact of falls and fear of falling on participation, autonomy, and life satisfaction among individuals with spinal cord injury: A brief report

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2021 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1943251 · Published: January 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how falls and fear of falling (FOF) affect the lives of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). It looks at participation in daily activities, independence, and overall satisfaction with life. The study followed individuals with SCI for six months, tracking falls and assessing their fear of falling, participation, autonomy, and life satisfaction using questionnaires. The research found that fear of falling, rather than the actual occurrence of falls, had a greater negative impact on participation, independence, and life satisfaction in people with SCI.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

65 community-dwelling adults with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
No significant differences were found between fallers and non-fallers in their perceived participation, autonomy, or life satisfaction.
2
Participants with a fear of falling (FOF) reported lower perceived autonomy outdoors, lower total life satisfaction, lower satisfaction with life as a whole, and lower satisfaction with self-care after six months.
3
A greater proportion of participants with a FOF had motor incomplete injuries compared to those without a FOF.

Research Summary

This study examined the impact of falls and fear of falling (FOF) on participation, autonomy, and life satisfaction among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found that FOF, rather than the occurrence of falls, had a greater impact on participation, autonomy, and life satisfaction in the SCI population. The findings suggest that fall prevention/management efforts should target those with a FOF to minimize the psychosocial impacts of falls in individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

Fall prevention programs should focus on addressing the fear of falling, not just preventing falls themselves, particularly for individuals with motor incomplete injuries.

Psychosocial Support

Healthcare providers should assess and address the psychosocial impact of fear of falling on participation, autonomy, and life satisfaction in individuals with SCI.

Mobility Considerations

Recognize that ambulators with SCI may have a higher risk of falling and greater fear of falling, requiring specific interventions.

Study Limitations

1
Participants self-reported falls, which could lead to errors in the reported number of falls.
2
The six-month tracking period may not be long enough to identify the longer-term psychosocial consequences of falls.
3
The sample included a mix of full-time wheelchair users and ambulators, and the impact of falls may differ among these mobility groups.

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