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Free From Falls education and exercise program for reducing falls in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized
Michelle H Cameron1,2, Andrea Hildebrand2, Cinda L Hugos2
1Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|October 1, 2021
Summary
Community-based exercise programs did not significantly reduce fall frequency in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Free From Falls program was not more effective than standard care for fall prevention in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Science
- Public Health
Background:
- People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) experience frequent falls, impacting mobility and quality of life.
- While community exercise programs benefit older adults, their effectiveness for fall reduction in MS is not established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of the "Free From Falls" (FFF) group education and exercise program in reducing falls among PwMS.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, assessor-blinded, two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial involving 96 PwMS.
- Participants were randomized to either the FFF program (eight weekly 2-hour sessions) or a control group (fall prevention brochure and neurologist notification).
- Fall frequency was prospectively monitored for 6 months post-intervention, with analysis using Bayesian methods.
Main Results:
- Pre-intervention fall frequency was comparable between groups (FFF: 1.2 falls/month; Control: 1.4 falls/month).
- Both groups showed a decrease in fall frequency over time (0.6 falls/month reduction).
- Post-intervention fall rates at 4-6 months were 0.6 falls/month for FFF and 0.8 falls/month for the control group.
Conclusions:
- In-person group exercise and education interventions are not superior to written materials and standard medical care for preventing falls in people with MS.
- The findings suggest that current community-based fall prevention strategies may need adaptation for the MS population.
