Fear of Falling in Stroke: Its Relationship With Motor Recovery, Stroke Duration, Trunk Control, and Balance

Individuals aged 18 and older diagnosed with stroke, who have a history of at least one fall, are able to walk 10 meters independently or with an assistive device, and can understand and follow simple instructions.

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a 30-point scale comprising 16 items across 11 categories used to screen for cognitive impairment in stroke and other neurological conditions, where a score of 26 or above indicates normal cognitive function.

The Brunnstrom recovery stages are a staging system that shows the motor recovery in patients with stroke. The Brunnstrom Recovery Stages of Upper and Lower Extremity of six stages. Higher stages indicate better motor function.

The Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) is a short, easy to administer tool that measures the level of concern about falling during 16 social and physical activities inside and outside the home whether or not the person actually does the activity. The level of concern is measured on a four-point Likert scale (1=not at all concerned to 4=very concerned). Total score is between 16 and 64 points. Lower scores mean a better outcome.

The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) evaluates post-stroke trunk control across three subscales (static sitting balance, dynamic sitting balance, and coordination) with a maximum total score of 23, where higher scores reflect better trunk function.

The Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) balance subscale comprises 9 items with a total score of 16, where higher scores indicate better balance performance.