Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2025
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Falls in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Soumaya Belghith1, Najla Mouhli1,2, Kais Ben Amor1
1Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Military Hospital of Tunis, Tunisia.
Introduction:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. Falls are a serious health concern for persons with MS (PwMS).
Aim:
To determine the frequency and associated factors of falls in PwMS.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Neurological Departments at the Military Hospital of Tunis between July and December 2022. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria completed a survey focusing on the prevalence and related factors of falls. In addition to the survey and a thorough clinical and functional examination, we used the 12-item MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12), the Fall Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and the 10-meter walk test for clinical assessment of balance. A baropodometric platform was employed for instrumental assessment.
Results:
Thirty individuals with an average age of 33,6 [SD: 7,7], completed the survey with a mean Expanded Disability Status Scale = 2,5. Twenty-one patients reported falling at least once since the diagnosis. The MSWS-12 mean score was 61 % and the FES-I scored an average of 33.8. The average total score of the SPPB was 8. Total boli of corticosteroids prescribed during disease flare-ups (p=0,022), magnetic resonance imaging lesions of the basal ganglia (p=0,047), vestibular syndrome (p=0,048), MSWS-12 score (p=0,022), and the chair lift test of SPPB (p=0,018) were significantly associated with the prevalence of falling. No significant differences were observed for the instrumental assessment.
Conclusion:
Falls are frequent in PwMS. MSWS-12, the FES-I, and the SPPB, can be used by clinicians to predict potential fallers of the PwMS.
Insights
Falls are common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Clinical assessments like the MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12), Fall Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) can help predict fall risk in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord.
- Falls represent a significant health risk and concern for individuals with MS (PwMS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of falls among PwMS.
- To identify factors associated with falls in the PwMS population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving PwMS at a military hospital.
- Data collection included surveys, clinical examinations, and validated tools such as the MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12), Fall Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).
- Instrumental assessment utilized a baropodometric platform.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one out of thirty PwMS reported at least one fall since diagnosis.
- Significant associations with falls included corticosteroid use during flare-ups, basal ganglia lesions on MRI, vestibular syndrome, higher MSWS-12 scores, and poorer performance on the SPPB chair lift test.
- No significant differences were found using instrumental assessment.
Conclusions:
- Falls are a frequent occurrence in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
- The MSWS-12, FES-I, and SPPB are valuable clinical tools for predicting fall risk in PwMS.
