Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 16, 2025
11:35
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
58.2K
Patient perspectives on falls in persons with multiple sclerosis.
Patricia Noritake Matsuda1, Jeanne M Hoffman1
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
PM & R : the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation
|October 22, 2021
Summary
Falls are a significant concern for adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Understanding personal definitions of falls and fear versus concern is crucial for accurate data collection and developing effective, patient-centered fall prevention programs for MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Falls significantly impact health and well-being in older adults.
- Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience higher fall rates.
- A knowledge gap exists regarding how individuals with MS define falls and their consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand how community-dwelling adults with MS perceive falls and their consequences.
- To identify circumstances surrounding falls in the MS population.
- To determine essential elements for a community fall prevention program that encourages participation.
Main Methods:
- Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted.
- Participants included 20 community-dwelling adults with MS.
- Data were collected on fall definitions, circumstances, and program preferences.
Main Results:
- A fall was universally defined as 'ending up on the floor,' but the starting point varied.
- Personal fall definitions yielded fewer falls than research definitions.
- Fear of falling and concern about falling were distinct concepts for participants.
- Participants desired training on 'how to fall' and disliked 'fall' in program titles.
Conclusions:
- Fall data in MS populations may be inaccurate due to varying definitions.
- Healthcare providers should use specific definitions and inquire about fear versus concern.
- Patient-centered programs should incorporate 'how to fall' training and address participation barriers for individuals with MS.
