Epidemiology and Cost of Falls in Veterans With a Spinal Cord Injury

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

Get a concise snapshot of the trial, including recruitment status, study phase, enrollment targets, and key timeline milestones.

Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Total Enrollment

702 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2004-04-30

Study Completion Date

2008-03-31

Brief Summary

Review the sponsor-provided synopsis that highlights what the study is about and why it is being conducted.

Brief Summary Detailed Description Background: A multitude of risk factors for falling has been reported for the elderly, however many of these risk factors are not applicable to persons with a spinal cord injury, who use a wheelchair for mobility. The objectives of this study are to: (1) describe the incidence and prevalence of tips, falls, and fall-related injuries in SCI; (2) describe the epidemiology of the fall event (person, time, place, and activity); (3) describe any injuries associated with a fall, including the mechanism and nature of the injury, severity of injury, as well as treatment required; (4) determine the risk factors related to falls and fall-related injuries in SCI, and develop a model for predicting falls and fall-related injuries in SCI; (5) determine healthcare utilization as well as direct and indirect costs associated with fall-related injuries in SCI; and (6) describe patient-perceived short- and long-term consequences of falls in SCI. The data collection for this study was completed on March 31, 2007, and data analysis is in final phase.

Objectives: The objectives of the study are to describe: (1) the incidence and prevalence of wheelchair tips, falls, and fall-related injuries; (2) epidemiology of event; (3) injuries associated with event, including mechanism, nature, severity of injury and treatment required; (4) determine risk factors and develop a model for predicting tips and falls; (5) determine healthcare utilization and direct and indirect costs; and (6) describe perceived short- and long-term consequences of falls in SCI.

Methods: This is a prospective cohort study. Data was collected through patient surveys, medical records, and VA databases. Baseline information includes risk factors (e.g., user characteristics, wheelchair features, wheelchair activities, etc.) and physical environmental data. Monthly follow-up calls tracked tips, falls, and injuries.

Status: Recruitment ended on April 1, 2006 with a total of 702 subjects, and data collection was completed on March 31, 2007. The Data Safety Monitoring Board for this study conducted its final meeting on September 17, 2007. Data has been analyzed and 17 manuscripts are currently in development.

Impact: While much is known about falls in elderly, there is a lack of understanding of the epidemiology of wheelchair-related falls. Our project is expected to identify previously unaccounted for factors that predispose persons with SCI to falls and fall-related injuries. This study will result in the creation of a model for predicting falls and fall-related injuries in SCI. The predictive model will be used to develop intervention strategies targeting modifiable risk factors. Eventually, we will test this predictive model with other vulnerable veteran populations. Findings from this study wil be used to develop an instrument to identify fall risk in persons with SCI.

Related Clinical Trials

Explore similar clinical trials based on study characteristics and research focus.

A Study of Mood and Stress After Spinal Cord Injury

NCT01337908

Spinal Cord Injury Depression

COMPLETED

Feasibility of Telephone Counseling to Increase Physical Fitness in SCI

NCT02225028

Spinal Cord Injury

COMPLETED NA

Postural Stability in Cervical Spinal Myelopathy

NCT03810781

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

COMPLETED

Impact of Age on Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular and Cognitive Health in Spinal Cord Injury

NCT01984476

Spinal Cord Injury

COMPLETED

Mental Practice Impact on Gait and Cortical Organization in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

NCT01302522

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

COMPLETED PHASE2

Detailed Description

Dive into the extended narrative that explains the scientific background, objectives, and procedures in greater depth.

Of the 702 patients enrolled, 659 subjects provided data for follow up analysis. The primarily male (96%) population was 55 + 13 years old, and had their SCI for an average of 21 + 13 years. 47% of the injury levels were cervical and 46% thoracic. The majority of subjects used manual wheelchairs (62%) an average of 10.9 + 4.3 hours a day. 553 fall events were reported by 204 individuals. 95 (14%) subjects were injured as a result of the fall. Regression models showed that fall occurrence was predicted by increased pain in past two months, increased alcohol use, higher FIM sub-motor scores, having a previous fall, shorter wheelchair length, fewer years of SCI, and not having one's first wheelchair. Injurious falls were predicted by increased pain in past two months, higher FIM sub-motor scores, having a previous fall, non-flat home entrance and a diagnosis of arthritis. In both models, 83% of the variance was explained by the predictors. Additional analysis is planned for completion of manuscripts. In addition, funding was received to develop a risk assessment tool for falls from wheelchairs in SCI.

Final analyses are being conducted and 17 manuscripts are currently in development.

Conditions

See the medical conditions and disease areas that this research is targeting or investigating.

Spinal Cord Injury

Study Design

Understand how the trial is structured, including allocation methods, masking strategies, primary purpose, and other design elements.

Observational Model Type

COHORT

Study Time Perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Study Groups

Review each arm or cohort in the study, along with the interventions and objectives associated with them.

Group 1

cohort is of individuals with a spinal cord injury who use a wheelchair as their primary means of mobility

No interventions assigned to this group

Eligibility Criteria

Check the participation requirements, including inclusion and exclusion rules, age limits, and whether healthy volunteers are accepted.

Inclusion Criteria

Must be a veteran with a spinal cord injury and use a wheelchair as primary means of mobility.

Exclusion Criteria

Spinal cord injury less than 2 years. Use of mobility device other than wheelchair as primary means of mobility. Incomplete injury that does not warrant use of a wheelchair. Ventilator dependent. On bedrest for more than 30 days.

Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No