Gait variability predicts falls in older adults with multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Falls are common in older adults, with and without multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Gait variability is linked to falls in older adults, but its predictive role in MS populations is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if gait variability under single- and dual-task walking predicts falls in older adults with MS (OAMS) and healthy older adults (HOA).

Main Methods:

• 106 HOA (mean age 69) and 95 OAMS (mean age 65) participated.
• Gait variability was measured using an instrumented walkway during single- and dual-task walking.
• Falls were reported during longitudinal follow-up.

Main Results:

• Greater gait variability (CV) in dual-task stride length and swing time, and single-task swing time, predicted increased fall hazards.
• In HOA, single-task swing time variability predicted falls.
• In OAMS, dual-task stride velocity, stride length, and swing time variability predicted falls.

Conclusions:

• Increased gait variability predicts higher fall risk in both OAMS and HOA.
• A 1% increase in CV was associated with a 4-10% increase in fall hazard.
• Walking conditions matter: single-task for HOA, dual-task for OAMS.