Prediction of post-stroke falls and fractures to improve outcomes for stroke survivors: what can we learn from AVERT data?

Stroke survivors are at increased risk of falls (1) and fractures (2), and outcomes after fracture are worse for stroke survivors compared  to the general fracture population (3). However, there are few evidence based preventive measures and many incidence studies are based on small geographic  regions. In this study you will examine data from the large multi-centre international AVERT trial (4)  that includes data from  56 acute stroke hospitals in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (n= 2104 stroke survivors).

Participant demographics, stroke characteristics and mobility interventions within two weeks of stroke, the timing and circumstances of falls and fractures will be examined to explore factors that may predict the risk of serious fractures after stroke (i.e. those that lead to hospitalisation, prolongation of hospitalisation, increased disability or death). This information will be used to guide stroke rehabilitation clinical guidelines.  

Students will work within the Centre for Research Excellence in Stroke, based at the Florey Institute in Heidelberg.