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Fear of Falling in People With Multiple Sclerosis: Which Clinical Characteristics Are Important?

Hanan Khalil1, Alham Al-Shorman2, Khalid El-Salem3

  • 1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan.

Physical Therapy
|April 27, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fear of falling in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is linked to motor, cognitive, and sleep issues. Addressing these factors is key for reducing fall risk and improving quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Rehabilitation Science
  • Quality of Life Research

Background:

  • Fear of falling (FOF) is a significant predictor of health outcomes and quality of life in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
  • Factors contributing to FOF in MS are not extensively studied, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and explore predictors of fear of falling (FOF) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Main Methods:

  • Seventy patients with relapsing-remitting MS were assessed using the Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) for FOF.
  • Motor function (30-second chair stand test, Berg Balance Scale, 10-Meter Walk Test, 6-Minute Walk Test), cognitive status (Montréal Cognitive Assessment, Symbol Digit Modalities Test), and affective factors (depression, fatigue, sleep quality) were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Fear of falling (FOF) showed significant correlations with all assessed motor and affective measures.
  • Stepwise regression analysis identified Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for motor function, Montréal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) for cognition, and sleep disorders as significant predictors of FOF.

Conclusions:

  • Fear of falling in MS is multifactorial, influenced by both motor and non-motor impairments.
  • Therapeutic interventions for reducing fall risk in MS should comprehensively target motor function, cognitive abilities, and sleep quality.

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