Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Community-based Adapted Tango Dancing for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease and Older Adults
Published on: December 9, 2014
Association between modified Rankin Scale scores and fall risk in post-stroke rehabilitation inpatients: a
Songhui Wu1, Qingfang Zhang1, Jie Yan1
1Department of Rehabilitation, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China.
Abstract:
Falls are among the most common complications after stroke, potentially delaying functional recovery. Although the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is widely used in stroke assessment, its relationship with fall risk remains poorly understood. The study aims to identify the association between mRS scores and fall risk in stroke patients. In this multicenter cross-sectional study, data on sociodemographics, clinical factors, fall characteristics, and mRS scores were collected via face-to-face interviews. Univariate analysis, binary logistic regression, and threshold effect models were employed to examine the association between fall risk and mRS scores. Among 6,192 enrolled patients, 524 (8.46%) experienced falls. The mRS showed a non-linear association with fall risk, peaking at mRS = 3 (P < 0.05). For scores < 3, each 1-point increase in mRS raised fall risk by 34% (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.09- 1.60, P = 0.0046), whereas for scores > 3, each 1-point increase reduced risk by 26% (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61-0.90, P = 0.0027). An inverted U-shaped relationship exists between mRS scores and fall risk, peaking at an mRS score of 3, identifying a potential priority group for fall prevention.
Insights
Falls are a common stroke complication. The study found an inverted U-shaped relationship between modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores and fall risk, peaking at mRS 3, highlighting a key group for fall prevention.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Gerontology
Background:
- Falls are a frequent complication post-stroke, impeding functional recovery.
- The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is standard for stroke assessment, but its link to fall risk is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores and the risk of falls in stroke survivors.
- To identify specific mRS score ranges associated with elevated fall risk for targeted interventions.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, cross-sectional study involving 6,192 stroke patients.
- Data collected via interviews on sociodemographics, clinical factors, falls, and mRS scores.
- Statistical analyses included univariate, logistic regression, and threshold effect models.
Main Results:
- 8.46% of patients reported falls.
- A non-linear, inverted U-shaped association was observed between mRS scores and fall risk, with the highest risk at mRS 3.
- Fall risk increased by 34% for each mRS point increase below 3, and decreased by 26% for each point increase above 3.
Conclusions:
- The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) demonstrates an inverted U-shaped relationship with fall risk in stroke patients, peaking at mRS 3.
- Stroke survivors with an mRS score of 3 represent a critical group for focused fall prevention strategies.
- Understanding this nuanced relationship can optimize post-stroke care and rehabilitation efforts.
Related Concept Videos
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
01:12Relative Risk