Individual and family self-management (IFSM) of a fall prevention program for improving balance ability and fall-related self-efficacy in post-stroke individuals: A randomized controlled trial

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• Picked for Rehabilitation (top studies of the week, 18 October 2026): RCT, fall prevention program post‑stroke

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke individuals often experience balanced impairments and reduced fall-related self-efficacy, which increases their risk of falling. The IFSM framework emphasizes the active engagement of patients and their families in managing health challenges. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of the IFSM fall prevention program in enhancing balance ability and fall-related self-efficacy among post-stroke individuals. METHODS: Sixty post-stroke individuals and their primary family caregivers were randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group. The experimental group participated in a 10-week IFSM fall prevention program comprising an in-hospital phase followed by a post-discharge home phase. The program was grounded in the theory of Individual and Family Self-Management. Balance ability and fall-related self-efficacy were measured at baseline and Week 10. Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle, using descriptive statistics, Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, t-tests, and non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Following ten weeks of intervention, patients in the experimental group showed significantly higher Short Fall Efficacy Scale-International scores and Berg Balance Scale scores relative to those in the control group. The completion rate of target exercise repetitions ranged from 87.38% to 95.75%, and 61.54% to 80.77% of patients fully achieved their exercise goals. Engagement with home environment renovation was 87.18%. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of falls between the patient groups. CONCLUSION: The program is an intervention that improves balance ability and fall-related self-efficacy in post-stroke individuals. It warrants further investigation in larger, multicenter trials with extended follow-up periods.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.