Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Dual-Task Stroop Paradigm for Detecting Cognitive Deficits in High-Functioning Stroke Patients
Published on: December 16, 2022
Fear of falling in people with chronic stroke
Arlene A Schmid1, Sarah E Arnold2, Valerie A Jones3
1Arlene A. Schmid, PhD, OTR, is Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Human Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins; arlene.schmid@colostate.edu.
Objective:
We assessed the prevalence of fear of falling (FoF) in a sample of people with chronic stroke and compared multiple variables (balance, anxiety, depression, activity and participation, and stroke severity) in people with and without FoF.
Method:
This study was a secondary analysis of data collected from a cross-sectional study of mobility after stroke in 77 participants with chronic stroke (>6 mo poststroke).
Results:
Of the 77 participants, 51 (66%) reported experiencing FoF. People with FoF had significantly decreased balance (p<.001) and activity and participation (p=.006) and significantly increased anxiety (p=.007). People with FoF also had significantly worse stroke severity (p=.001).
Conclusion:
FoF is a prevalent concern in the chronic stroke population. The presence of FoF was associated with a variety of negative consequences. Occupational therapy practitioners should address FoF to help clients manage FoF and possibly improve recovery.
Related Concept Videos
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management
Preparedness and Phobias
Regulation of Stroke Volume
Preload refers to the degree of stretch on the heart before it contracts. It's analogous to the stretching of a rubber band; the more it's stretched, the more forcefully it snaps back. This concept is encapsulated in the Frank-Starling law of the...
Prosopagnosia

