Evaluating Fall Risk in Hemiplegic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study with FROP-Com Assessment

Abstract

Falls are a major concern for hemiplegic stroke patients, often leading to serious injuries and reduced quality of life. Identifying at-risk individuals is crucial for effective prevention. This study assesses fall risk prevalence and associated factors in hemiplegic patients using the Falls Risk for Older People in the Community (FROP-Com) and determines stroke-specific cutoff values. Additionally, it examines its relationship with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). This cross-sectional study included hemiplegic stroke patients. Fall risk was assessed using the FROP-Com, while mobility was evaluated with the Tinetti POMA and TUG test. Clinical characteristics such as age, stroke duration, functional mobility, and fall history were recorded. Correlations between assessment tools were analyzed, and a cutoff value for high fall risk was established. Sixty patients were analyzed (mean age 59.28±7.02 years; 66.7% male; 72% ischemic stroke). Falls were reported in 41.7% of patients, with 48% sustaining injuries. Most falls occurred indoors (56%), with balance loss being the primary cause (52%). Patients with a history of falls had significantly lower POMA scores and higher FROP-Com and TUG scores (p<0.05). The FROP-Com fall risk cutoff was 21 (AUC=0.78, sensitivity=68%, specificity=85.7%). The FROP-Com is a valuable tool for assessing fall risk in hemiplegic stroke patients, aiding in the identification of high-risk individuals and supporting targeted prevention strategies.