statistically significant different between those with and without fear of falling. Such a

result would not be uncommon in an elderly population, and those post-stroke would be

assumed to have increased difficulty with stair climbing. Changes in IADLs were

reflected in the qualitative interviews. Some participants talked about falls at home, often

in the bathroom, while performing basic ADLs. However, more often participants

commented on falls and fear of falling during higher-level activities, such as walking

around a store, community outings such as church or social gatherings, and physical

activities such as stair climbing. Thus IADLs and stair climbing were more likely

impacted by fear of falling in this higher functioning post-stroke group of participants.

These patterns of decreased performance in ADLs and IADLs for those with post-stroke

fear of falling warrant future research to better understand the impact on activity,

participation, and general quality of life.

Table 4-4. Baseline/discharge data and outcome measures for those with and without fear
 of falling
Measures No FoF FoF During 6 months
n 90 42
Age 65.62 (9.68) 67.50 (11.93)
Baseline
 FIM motor 75.71 (17.40) 73.40 (11.64)
 FIM cognition 31.14 (4.18) 31.19 (3.26)
 FIM total 106.86 (20.47) 104.60 (13.57)
 MMSE 26.76 (3.35) 26.29 (2.79)
Month 1
 FIM motor 80.46 (15.59) 78.86 (11.75)
 FIM cognition 32.27 (3.47) 31.19 (3.85)
 FIM total 112.73 (17.66) 110.05 (13.54)
 FAI 30.54 (10.44) 27.26 (10.58)
 MMSE 26.60 (3.05) 26.76 (2.54)
 GDS 8.84 (6.59) 9.33 (6.76)
Month 6
 FIM motor 82.84 (13.54) 82.69 (8.31)
 FIM cognition 32.45 (3.72) 32.33 (2.95)
 FIM total 115.30 (15.59) 115.03 (9.83)
 FAI 33.13 (11.29) 31.50(11.40)