Citation

Gunn HJ, Creanor S, Haas B, Marsden J, Freeman J. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2014; 95(3): 538-545.

Affiliation

School of Health Professions, Plymouth University, UK. Electronic address: Hilary.gunn100@plymouth.ac.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2013.08.244

PMID

24055784

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate falls rate and the characteristics of falls (including fall-related injuries), in a multiple sclerosis (MS) cohort. DESIGN: As part of a study evaluating falls risk, a cohort of 150 participants prospectively recorded actual and near fall events using a daily diary over three months, as well as the circumstances of each fall including related injuries. SETTING: Community setting in South-West England PARTICIPANTS: A population-based sample of 150 people with a confirmed diagnosis of MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale 3.5 -6.5) was recruited via a patient-centred longitudinal study database of disease course in people with MS INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate of actual and near falls, circumstances and consequences of falls (including rates and type of injury plus follow up care). RESULTS: The response rate for the falls diary was 92.7%. A total of 672 actual falls and 3785 near falls were recorded, with a moderate correlation between the numbers of actual and near falls per person (rs=0.474, 95% CI 0.34-0.59). Men recorded significantly more falls than women. Falls were associated with a range of activities, although 27.6% occurred during general mobility activities such as walking, turning and moving between positions. 11.1% of falls were associated with injuries, with six individuals requiring medical attention. CONCLUSION: People with MS experience high numbers of falls, with associated injuries. Falls occur during a wide range of activities, reflecting their potential impact on daily life. Evaluating the characteristics of individuals who experience frequent near falls but few actual falls may be valuable for research and clinical practice.

Language: en