Journal CME, April 2023: The number of falls recalled in the past year and balance confidence predict the frequency of injurious falls for unilateral lower limb prothesis users-The number of falls recalled in the past year and balance confidence predict the frequency of injurious falls for unilateral lower limb prothesis users

The number of falls recalled in the past year and balance confidence predict the frequency of injurious falls for unilateral lower limb prothesis users

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The study explores the prediction of injurious falls in unilateral lower limb prosthesis (LLP) users by focusing on fall history and balance confidence. Over a 6-month period, data from 60 participants with transtibial or transfemoral amputations were analyzed. Key findings indicate that the number of falls recalled in the prior year (IRR 1.31, p=.045) and balance confidence scores (p=.120) are predictive of future injurious falls. Additionally, certain circumstances such as fatigue due to activity (OR 13.5, p=.001) and being tired from lack of sleep (OR 5.36, p=.026) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of injurious falls. The study suggests that over one-third of LLP users experience injurious falls, with a higher rate observed in this research compared to historical data.<br /><br />Statistical analysis included multivariate negative binomial regression to account for the recurrent nature of falls, and bivariate logistic regression to identify specific fall-related circumstances. The final model helps in predicting injurious falls, aiding clinicians in identifying at-risk individuals for preventive interventions. Future work should aim to validate this predictive model externally and explore additional risk factors and participant characteristics to enhance generalizability. The study underscores the need for practical risk assessment tools to improve clinical outcomes and informs the design of tailored interventions to reduce the incidence of injurious falls in LLP users.

Keywords

injurious falls

unilateral lower limb prosthesis

fall history

balance confidence

transtibial amputations

transfemoral amputations

fatigue

predictive model

risk assessment

preventive interventions