Keywords
physiotherapy
falls
How to Cite
Abstract
Stroke affects approximately 80,000 people in Poland annually. It is the third leading cause of death (second worldwide) and the leading cause of adult disability globally. Stroke poses a challenge for medical teams, especially physiotherapists, and a socioeconomic problem. Loss of locomotion and falls are significant after stroke (affecting 7% of people in the first week after stroke, gradually increasing to 55–73% after a year). The causes of falls after stroke are usually complex (balance disorders, locomotion deficits, cognitive impairment, depression, PTSD). Falls carry the risk of fractures, hospitalization, subsequent strokes, impaired concentration, motivation, sense of security, and fear of activity, limiting the patient’s participation in rehabilitation, daily life, and social life. The article provides epidemiological data on these issues, the overall costs incurred by states and societies for treatment, rehabilitation, and stroke-related services, and discusses the mental health of stroke survivors and their loved ones. It highlights the fact that physiotherapists can significantly improve not only the physical but also the mental health and well-being of stroke survivors. They spend relatively more time with patients than other healthcare professionals, often establish closer relationships with them, can be the first to highlight disturbing depressive symptoms that families sometimes overlook, can contact a psychologist, and above all, can strengthen motivation, for example, by conveying hope that physiotherapy will enable them to return to functioning and daily life.
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