A new Australian study has found that a simple, home-based program can significantly reduce the risk of falls in people recovering from stroke.
The research, published in the British Medical Journal, shows that this tailored approach lowered falls by 33% over one year.
Falls are a major concern for stroke survivors. Compared with older adults in general, people who have had a stroke are more than twice as likely to fall, and many experience repeated falls.
These incidents can lead to serious injuries, hospital stays, and setbacks in recovery, affecting both physical health and confidence.
To address this problem, researchers from the University of Sydney, Macquarie University, Monash University, and the University of Canberra developed the Falls After Stroke Trial, known as FAST.
This is the first study to show that a non-drug, home-based program can effectively prevent falls after a stroke.
The study involved stroke survivors living in the community across three Australian states. Participants were randomly divided into two groups.
One group received usual care, while the other took part in a structured intervention program designed to reduce falls.
The program was delivered by a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist working together. It included ten home visits, along with follow-up phone support. The goal was to create a plan that fit each person’s daily life and environment.
The intervention focused on three main areas. First, participants practiced simple exercises to improve balance and strength, which were built into everyday activities rather than treated as separate workouts. Second, therapists helped identify and reduce hazards in the home, such as clutter or unsafe furniture arrangements, while also encouraging safer habits. Third, participants were supported in setting goals for moving around outside the home, such as walking in the park, shopping, or using public transport.
The results were encouraging. People who took part in the program not only had fewer falls but also showed improvements in mobility, balance, and confidence. They were more active in their communities and felt more capable in managing their daily lives.
Researchers say one of the strengths of the program is its practicality. Because it is delivered at home and tailored to each individual, it can be more easily adopted in real-world settings.
The findings suggest that this kind of personalized, non-medication approach could play an important role in helping stroke survivors stay safe and maintain their independence. With falls being a leading cause of injury after stroke, such programs could have a meaningful impact on long-term recovery and quality of life.
In simple terms, bringing the right support into people’s homes may help them regain confidence, move more safely, and avoid dangerous falls as they recover from stroke.
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Source: KSR.
