Multifactoral measures of fall risk in the visually impaired population: A pilot study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the feasibility of taking multiple measures of visual and physical function in adults with visual impairment. A second objective was to obtain preliminary data on risk for falls in this population.

Design: Cohort feasibility study.

Setting: University ambulatory patient care center and research center.

Participants: Convenience sample of community-dwelling men and women over age 18 with visual impairment (n = 12). Thirteen subjects were enrolled in the study; one was subsequently excluded due to self-reported cognitive decline at time of testing. Subjects were grouped by prospective fall incidence.

Interventions: Verbal education.

Main outcome measures: Subjective measures of function; objective measures of visual and physical function.

Results: Visually impaired adults can safely complete a battery of physical functions to predict fall risk. Recent onset of visual impairment was correlated with higher fall risk [-0.53 ± 0.22, p = 0.04].

Conclusions: It is feasible for an interdisciplinary team to measure risk for falls in adults with a visual impairment. Further investigation is needed to identify predictors of falls in adults of all ages with visual impairment.

Keywords: Accidental fall; Interdisciplinary communication; Physical examination; Risk assessment; Visual impairment.