Feasibility and results of a pilot study of group occupational therapy for fall risk management after stroke

IntroductionThis article examines the feasibility and outcomes of a pilot study of Group Occupational Therapy for Falls, a fall risk management program designed for individuals with chronic stroke.MethodThis was a single-arm pilot study. All 10 participants had chronic stroke (>6 months), self-reported falling or fear of falling, and used a mobility device. Group Occupational Therapy for Falls included six sessions and focused on individual fall risk factor management. Assessments were completed before and after the intervention and assessed management of fall risk factors (five assessments, including the Falls Control Scale and Falls Prevention Strategy Survey), fear of falling (yes/no) question, falls self-efficacy, and activity and participation with the IMPACT (ICF Measure of Participation and ACTivity). Alpha was set at .10 owing to the small sample size and feasibility/pilot-study design.ResultsGroup Occupational Therapy for Falls was feasible and management of fall risk factors improved overall, wi...