The psychometric properties of the Six-Spot Step Test - a systematic review using the COSMIN guidelines

OBJECTIVE

Accurate and reliable balance measures are important for prescribing fall prevention treatments and monitoring their effectiveness. Thus, we aimed to systematically review the psychometric properties of the Six-Spot Step Test, an increasingly used measure of dynamic balance.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search using the free-text term "Six-Spot Step Test" was performed on 12 February 2024, in Medline, Embase, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine and SPORTDiscus. Eligibility criteria were adults aged 18 or more, trials evaluating the psychometric properties of the Six-Spot Step Test, and English-language articles. Conference abstracts were excluded.

REVIEW METHODS

Two investigators screened and selected data independently and assessed the methodological quality and evidence using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist and modified GRADE approach. One investigator extracted study characteristics such as design, population and psychometric properties.

RESULTS

Of the 159 articles identified, 16, evaluating multiple measurement properties, were included in the final analysis. A total of 1319 people participated, including people affected by Stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkison's disease, chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy and older adults with balance problems. Eight articles assessing reliability (n = 618, intraclass correlations coefficient ≥0.7, minimal detectable change = 22%) and 12 construct validity (n = 1082, 83% true hypothesis, area under the curve >0.7) exhibited sufficient methodological quality with high-level evidence, while two studies (n = 167) examining responsiveness showed very low evidence.

CONCLUSION

Apart from responsiveness, robust evidence supports the reliability and validity of the Six-Spot Step Test for assessing dynamic balance in a specific group of individuals with neurological diseases and older adults. Further, it is considered feasible for clinical use.

Reliability and validity of the 4-meter walk test in patients with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Walking speed is considered a vital sign of health and better functional outcomes. It is important to assess walking speed both for disease monitoring and before starting rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability, validity, minimal detectable change, and the ideal cutoff time for differentiating patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) who fall from PwMS who do not.

METHODS

This study included 43 PwMS (26 female and 17 male) and 36 healthy controls (23 female and 13 male). The 4-meter walk test (4-MWT) was conducted with the 10-meter walk test (10-MWT), timed up and go (TUG) test, dynamic gait index (DGI), timed 25-foot walk (T25-FW), multiple sclerosis walking scale-12 (MSWS-12), and the expanded disability status scale (EDSS).

RESULTS

Excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.971) was found for the 4-MWT. The SEM value was 0.38 and MDC value was 1.05. The correlations with 4-MWT, 10-MWT, TUG, DGI, T25-FW, MSWS-12, and EDSS were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). PwMS had longer 4-MWT times than healthy controls, and PwMS fallers had longer 4-MWT times than non-fallers with PwMS (r between 0.668 and -0.858; p < 0.05 for all). In order to distinguish fallers from non-fallers with PwMS, a 4-MWT cutoff time of 4.14 s was shown to be optimal.

CONCLUSION

The 4-MWT was found to be valid and reliable for PwMS. It is concluded that the 4-MWT is a feasible assessment method for clinical and methodological studies of PwMS with mild to moderate disability.

Usefulness of the Berg Balance Scale for prediction of fall risk in multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

The Berg Balance Scale, possibly the most widely used balance-related measure, has gained popularity in clinical trials. It provides information about patients' balance-related abilities and can be used to assess improvement or worsening after rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to determine the cut-off value of the Berg Balance Scale for the fall risk in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHODS

This study was designed as a prospective descriptive trial, and 186 patients with MS were included. Fall history was recorded by interview; balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS).

RESULTS

The mean ages of 96 patients with a fall history within the previous month and 90 patients without a fall history were 35.98 ± 8.58 and 35.71 ± 9.33 years, respectively. The mean value of the BBS score of the faller group was 49.44 ± 5.43 while 52.36 ± 3.53 in non-faller group. The cut-off value of the BBS for fall risk in patients with MS was determined as 50.50 points.

CONCLUSIONS

For patient safety and the success of rehabilitation, it is crucial to evaluate the risk of falling in patients with MS, one of the neurological patient groups where complaints about falling are most prevalent. The results showed that BBS is a sensitive and specific measure for identifying in patients with MS at risk of falling.

Discriminative ability of the original and short form of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale and its individual items for falls in people with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Balance confidence is an essential component of fall risk assessment in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).

AIMS

The aims of this cross-sectional study were to 1) investigate the ability of the 16-item Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC-16), 6-item Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC-6), and each item of the ABC-16 for distinguishing fallers and 2) determine cutoff scores for these scales to discriminate fallers and non-fallers in pwMS.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-six participants [fallers/non-fallers: 60 (38.5%)/96 (61.5%), median EDSS: 1.5] were enrolled. Balance confidence was assessed using the ABC-16 and ABC-6. The self-reported number of falls in the past three months was recorded. Descriptive assessments, including walking, balance, and cognition were performed. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted to estimate the sensitivities and specificities of the ABC-16 and ABC-6.

RESULTS

Both the ABC-16 (AUC: 0.85) and ABC-6 (AUC: 0.84) had the discriminative ability for falls. Each item of the ABC-16 scale was a significantly related to falls [odds ratio (OR) range: 1.38 to 1.89]. Items 8 and 10 had the highest odds ratio (OR: 1.85; 95%CI: 1.47-2.33, OR: 1.89; 95%CI: 1.49-2.40; respectively). We found cutoff scores of ≤ 70 of 100 (sensitivity: 71.67, specificity: 86.46) and ≤ 65/100 (sensitivity: 76.67, specificity: 79.17) in discrimination between fallers and non-fallers for the ABC-16 and ABC-6, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Both original and short forms of the ABC scale are an efficient tool for discriminating fallers and non-fallers in pwMS. Although all items are related to falls, outdoor walking activities have the strongest associations with falls than other items.

A Closed-Loop Falls Monitoring and Prevention App for Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Practice: Human-Centered Design of the Multiple Sclerosis Falls InsightTrack

BACKGROUND

Falls are common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), causing injuries, fear of falling, and loss of independence. Although targeted interventions (physical therapy) can help, patients underreport and clinicians undertreat this issue. Patient-generated data, combined with clinical data, can support the prediction of falls and lead to timely intervention (including referral to specialized physical therapy). To be actionable, such data must be efficiently delivered to clinicians, with care customized to the patient's specific context.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the iterative process of the design and development of Multiple Sclerosis Falls InsightTrack (MS-FIT), identifying the clinical and technological features of this closed-loop app designed to support streamlined falls reporting, timely falls evaluation, and comprehensive and sustained falls prevention efforts.

METHODS

Stakeholders were engaged in a double diamond process of human-centered design to ensure that technological features aligned with users' needs. Patient and clinician interviews were designed to elicit insight around ability blockers and boosters using the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior (COM-B) framework to facilitate subsequent mapping to the Behavior Change Wheel. To support generalizability, patients and experts from other clinical conditions associated with falls (geriatrics, orthopedics, and Parkinson disease) were also engaged. Designs were iterated based on each round of feedback, and final mock-ups were tested during routine clinical visits.

RESULTS

A sample of 30 patients and 14 clinicians provided at least 1 round of feedback. To support falls reporting, patients favored a simple biweekly survey built using REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture; Vanderbilt University) to support bring-your-own-device accessibility-with optional additional context (the severity and location of falls). To support the evaluation and prevention of falls, clinicians favored a clinical dashboard featuring several key visualization widgets: a longitudinal falls display coded by the time of data capture, severity, and context; a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and evidence-based checklist of actions intended to evaluate and prevent falls; and MS resources local to a patient's community. In-basket messaging alerts clinicians of severe falls. The tool scored highly for usability, likability, usefulness, and perceived effectiveness (based on the Health IT Usability Evaluation Model scoring).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first falls app designed using human-centered design to prioritize behavior change and, while being accessible at home for patients, to deliver actionable data to clinicians at the point of care. MS-FIT streamlines data delivery to clinicians via an electronic health record-embedded window, aligning with the 5 rights approach. Leveraging MS-FIT for data processing and algorithms minimizes clinician load while boosting care quality. Our innovation seamlessly integrates real-world patient-generated data as well as clinical and community-level factors, empowering self-care and addressing the impact of falls in people with MS. Preliminary findings indicate wider relevance, extending to other neurological conditions associated with falls and their consequences.

Using the Instrumented Sway System (ISway) to Identify and Compare Balance Domain Deficits in People With Multiple Sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To develop a multiple sclerosis (MS)-specific model of balance and examine differences between (1) MS and neurotypical controls and (2) people with MS (PwMS) with (MS-F) and without a fall history (MS-NF).

DESIGN AND SETTING

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Gait and Balance Laboratory at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Balance was measured from the instrumented sway system (ISway) assessment.

PARTICIPANTS

In total, 118 people with relapsing-remitting MS (MS-F=39; MS-NF=79) and 46 age-matched neurotypical controls.

INTERVENTION

Not applicable.

OUTCOME MEASURES

A total of 22 sway measures obtained from the ISway were entered into an exploratory factor analysis to identify underlying balance domains. The model-derived balance domains were compared between (1) PwMS and age-matched, neurotypical controls and (2) MS-F and MS-NF.

RESULTS

Three distinct balance domains were identified: (1) sway amplitude and velocity, (2) sway frequency and jerk mediolateral, and (3) sway frequency and jerk anteroposterior, explaining 81.66% of balance variance. PwMS exhibited worse performance (ie, greater amplitude and velocity of sway) in the sway velocity and amplitude domain compared to age-matched neurotypical controls (P=.003). MS-F also exhibited worse performance in the sway velocity and amplitude domain compared to MS-NF (P=.046). The anteroposterior and mediolateral sway frequency and jerk domains were not different between PwMS and neurotypical controls nor between MS-F and MS-NF.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified a 3-factor, MS-specific balance model, demonstrating that PwMS, particularly those with a fall history, exhibit disproportionate impairments in sway amplitude and velocity. Identifying postural stability outcomes and domains that are altered in PwMS and clinically relevant (eg, related to falls) would help isolate potential treatment targets.

Chest-Based Wearables and Individualized Distributions for Assessing Postural Sway in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Typical assessments of balance impairment are subjective or require data from cumbersome and expensive force platforms. Researchers have utilized lower back (sacrum) accelerometers to enable more accessible, objective measurement of postural sway for use in balance assessment. However, new sensor patches are broadly being deployed on the chest for cardiac monitoring, opening a need to determine if measurements from these devices can similarly inform balance assessment. Our aim in this work is to validate postural sway measurements from a chest accelerometer. To establish concurrent validity, we considered data from 16 persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) asked to stand on a force platform while also wearing sensor patches on the sacrum and chest. We found five of 15 postural sway features derived from the chest and sacrum were significantly correlated with force platform-derived features, which is in line with prior sacrum-derived findings. Clinical significance was established using a sample of 39 PwMS who performed eyes-open, eyes-closed, and tandem standing tasks. This cohort was stratified by fall status and completed several patient-reported measures (PRM) of balance and mobility impairment. We also compared sway features derived from a single 30-second period to those derived from a one-minute period with a sliding window to create individualized distributions of each postural sway feature (ID method). We find traditional computation of sway features from the chest is sensitive to changes in PRMs and task differences. Distribution characteristics from the ID method establish additional relationships with PRMs, detect differences in more tasks, and distinguish between fall status groups. Overall, the chest was found to be a valid location to monitor postural sway and we recommend utilizing the ID method over single-observation analyses.

Examining the Influence of Cognition on the Relationship Between Backward Walking and Falls in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes motor, cognitive, and sensory impairments that result in injurious falls. Current fall risk measures in MS (ie, forward walking [FW] speed and balance) are limited in their sensitivity. Backward walking (BW) velocity is a sensitive marker of fall risk and correlates with information processing speed (IPS) and visuospatial memory (VSM) in persons with MS. Backward walking is a complex motor task that requires increased cognitive demands, which are negatively affected by MS; however, whether cognitive function modifies the sensitivity of BW as a fall risk assessment in MS remains unknown. This study examines the influence of cognition on the relationship between BW and falls in persons with MS.

METHODS

Measures of BW, FW, IPS, VSM, and retrospective falls were collected. Hierarchical regression tested moderation and included an interaction term predicting number of falls. Covariates for all analyses included age and disease severity.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight persons with MS participated. Although BW, IPS, and covariates significantly predicted the number of falls (R 2 = 0.301; P = .016), there was no evidence of moderation. Backward walking, VSM, and covariates also significantly predicted number of falls (R 2 = 0.332, P = .008), but there was no evidence of moderation. The FW models generated comparable results.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between BW velocity and falls was not conditional on IPS or VSM in this sample. Larger-scale studies examining additional cognitive domains commonly affected by MS and prospective falls are needed to characterize neurobiological processes relevant to BW and its clinical application in the assessment of fall risk.

A review of current rehabilitation practices and their benefits in patients with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, debilitating disease characterised by demyelination of the nerves of the central nervous system that results in patients progressively losing the ability to perform daily tasks. As there is no cure for this disease, rehabilitation therapy is an important aspect of care; assisting patients to regain or retain function and improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing. At present there is no current consistent model of care for MS, likely due to the variable symptom presentation. Various forms of rehabilitation therapy are available, and these include physical rehabilitation methods, such as balance and gait therapy, speech and respiration rehabilitation, and occupational therapy. Contrary to previous understanding, exercise-based therapies have shown various benefits for patients with MS, and in addition to improving MS-related physical symptoms, have been shown to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and can improve cognitive function. Cognition rehabilitation therapy specifically focuses on behavioural tasks and is divided into two main forms: compensatory rehabilitation, which offers cognitive functioning benefits, and restorative rehabilitation, which offers memory benefits. Excitation therapies include cranial stimulation and other stimulation rehabilitation methods such as focal muscle vibration therapy and these non-invasive techniques may improve patient's physical ability. Additionally, more novel rehabilitation methods include robot-assisted gait therapy and telerehabilitation, both of which are expected to play progressively more prominent roles in the future of rehabilitation therapy. The structure of the care team has been found to impact patient outcomes, and both in- and out-patient care settings have been found to be beneficial, dependant on the patient's circumstances, with certain patients better suited to a particular setting. While a single point of care is recommended for patients, a multidisciplinary care team and regular reassessment is recommended to manage changing symptoms and ensure continuity of care. The importance of the critical components of rehabilitation have been identified, and these are of vital importance in achieving beneficial outcomes. These components include the patients' participation in the treatment, goal setting with a multidisciplinary care team, a guiding-light purpose for the patient, which focusses on recognizing their personal potential and obtaining improvements through a tailored plan. The final critical component of rehabilitation is the results measurement, which highlights the need for a quantifiable reduction in impairment and improvement in activity and participation. Overall, a lack of standardisation in outcome measurements makes comparison challenging. This is particularly important when comparing standard methods of care with more novel rehabilitation techniques. However, within the broad area of rehabilitation therapies, it is clear that patients with MS can benefit from rehabilitation practices; physically, mentally and socially.

MULTİPL SKLEROZLU BİREYLERDE STABİLİTE LİMİTLERİ VE DÜŞME RİSKİ ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİNİN İNCELENMESİ

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, Multipl Skleroz (MS)’lu bireylerde stabilite limitleri (SL) ile düşme riski arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemektir. Yöntem: Çalışmaya 18-50 yaş aralığında, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) skoru ≤ 4, son 6 ay içerisinde atak geçirmeyen ve son 6 ay içerisinde düşme hikâyesi olan 30 MS’li birey dâhil edildi. Bireylerin demografik bilgileri kaydedildi. Dört yöndeki (anterior, posterior, lateral- sol, sağ) SL, Bertec Balance Check ScreenerTM (Model BP5050; Bertec Corporation, Columbus, OH, USA) ile değerlendirildi. Düşme riski ise Zamanlı Kalk ve Yürü Testi (ZKYT) ile değerlendirildi. Dört yöndeki SL ile ZKYT skoru arasındaki ilişkileri incelemek için Spearman korelasyon testi kullanıldı. Sonuçlar: Çalışmaya katılan 30 bireyin (18 kadın, 12 erkek) yaş ortalaması 37,66±8,86 yıl idi. Anterior-posterior SL ile ZKYT skorları arasında negatif yönde iyi derecede (r =-0,616), lateral sol-sağ SL ile ZKYT skorları arasında negatif yönde orta derecede (r =-0,463) anlamlı bir ilişki bulundu (p&lt;0,05). Stabilite Limitleri Stabilite Skoru (SLSS) ile ZKYT skorları arasında ise negatif yönde iyi derecede (r =-0,683) anlamlı bir ilişki bulundu (p&lt;0,05). Tartışma: MS’li bireylerde SL, düşme için önemli bir faktördür. Biyomekanik yeterliliğin ve dinamik dengenin önemli bir göstergesi olan SL azaldıkça düşme riski artmaktadır. Düşme yaşayan MS’li bireyler SL açısından mutlaka değerlendirilmeli ve rehabilitasyon programında SL’nin geliştirilmesine de yer verilmelidir.

The figure-of-eight walk test is a reliable and valid test for assessing walking skill in people with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The ability to turn while walking is essential for people's activities of daily living. Difficulties in turning while walking are commonly shown in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The figure-of-eight walk test (F8W) is a clinical test assessing walking skill in a curved pathway; however, its reliability and validity have not been systematically examined for PwMS.

PURPOSES

The study is aimed to investigate: (1) the test-retest reliability of the F8W in PwMS; (2) the standard error of measurement and minimum detectable change in the F8W times; (3) the concurrent and known-groups validity of the F8W times; and (4) the cut-off times that best discriminate fallers from non-fallers with MS.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study included 41 PwMS and 33 healthy people. The F8W was performed along with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). To determine the test-retest reliability, the F8W was conducted twice, 7-10 days apart. The reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman plots, standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). To examine validity, the correlations between the F8W and the TUG, BBS, ABC, and EDSS were assessed using correlation coefficients, and the completion times of the F8W were compared between PwMS and healthy people, and between fallers and non-fallers with MS. The receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine the optimal F8W cut-off time discriminating fallers from non-fallers with MS.

RESULTS

The F8W had excellent test-retest reliability with an ICC of 0.916. Bland-Altman plots showed high agreement between sessions. The SEM and MDC were found to be 0.45 and 1.25, respectively. The F8W indicated a moderate to strong correlation with other outcome measures (correlation coefficients ranged from -0.596 to 0.839, p<0.05). On the F8W, PwMS had a longer time than healthy people while fallers had a longer time than non-fallers with MS (p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). The cut-off time of 8.52 s best discriminated the fallers from non-fallers with MS.

CONCLUSIONS

The F8W is a reliable and clinically available measurement tool for walking skill in PwMS.

Fall Prediction Based on Instrumented Measures of Gait and Turning in Daily Life in People with Multiple Sclerosis

This study investigates the potential of passive monitoring of gait and turning in daily life in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) to identify those at future risk of falls. Seven days of passive monitoring of gait and turning were carried out in a pilot study of 26 PwMS in home settings using wearable inertial sensors. The retrospective fall history was collected at the baseline. After gait and turning data collection in daily life, PwMS were followed biweekly for a year and were classified as fallers if they experienced >1 fall. The ability of short-term passive monitoring of gait and turning, as well as retrospective fall history to predict future falls were compared using receiver operator curves and regression analysis. The history of retrospective falls was not identified as a significant predictor of future falls in this cohort (AUC = 0.62, p = 0.32). Among quantitative monitoring measures of gait and turning, the pitch at toe-off was the best predictor of falls (AUC = 0.86, p < 0.01). Fallers had a smaller pitch of their feet at toe-off, reflecting less plantarflexion during the push-off phase of walking, which can impact forward propulsion and swing initiation and can result in poor foot clearance and an increased metabolic cost of walking. In conclusion, our cohort of PwMS showed that objective monitoring of gait and turning in daily life can identify those at future risk of falls, and the pitch at toe-off was the single most influential predictor of future falls. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving the strength of plantarflexion muscles, range of motion, and increased proprioceptive input may benefit PwMS at future fall risk.

Evaluating the contribution of reactive balance to prediction of fall rates cross-sectionally and longitudinally in persons with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Falls are common in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Reactive postural control-one's response to a balance perturbation-is likely an aspect of fall risk; however, the relationship between reactive posture and falls is poorly understood in PwMS.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated tibialis anterior muscle onset latency (TA latency) after balance perturbations as a predictor of fall rates in PwMS, controlling for clinical, functional, sensory, psychological, and cognitive factors.

METHOD

At baseline of the 18-month cohort study, 122 participants with MS (EDSS = 2.23) were included. Assessments were conducted every 6 months.

RESULTS

Of the original 122 participants at the baseline collection, data were available from 41, 39, and 34 people at the 6, 12, and 18 month follow-ups, respectively. Percent fallers at the four time points were 35.3%, 12.2%, 15.4%, and 20.5%. Cross-sectionally (i.e., at baseline), the Timed Up-and-Go, Falls Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I), and TA latency after perturbations were significant predictors of retrospective falls rates using negative binomial regression. Longitudinally, random-effects negative binomial regression found that trait-level FES-I, Stroop Color-Word, and TA latency were significant predictors for falls rates.

CONCLUSION

Delays in automatic postural responses seem to account uniquely for fall rates in PwMS-beyond clinical, balance, or mobility measures. These delays may contribute to the increased fall rate in PwMS. In addition to brief self-report instruments (FES-I) and cognitive assessments, muscle onset after balance perturbations may be a valuable tool for predicting falls in those with MS.

Validity and reliability of the 3-meter backward walk test in mildly disabled persons with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

One of the biggest problems for persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) is dizziness, poor posture, and balance problems that cause injury-causing falls. The aim of our study was to reveal the test-retest reliability and validity of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test (3MBWT) in mildly disabled PwMS.

METHODS

This study included a total of 93 mildly disabled PwMS with mean EDSS of 1.89. 3MBWT, Functional Access Test (FRT), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), and Timed-Up and Go (TUG) were applied to the patients. To measure test-retest reliability, a second evaluation was performed three days after the first evaluation.

RESULTS

Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.998 (excellent). For intra-rater agreement, the ICC values in the individual test were 0.998. The SEM value was 0.18, the MDC value was found to be 0.50. A very strong correlation was revealed between the 3MBWT and FRT (r: -0.931, p: 0.001), TUG (r: 0.968, p: 0.001), T25FW (r: 0.879, p: 0.001), DGI (r: -0.871, p: 0.001) and falling history (r: 0.932, p: 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The 3MBWT was observed to be valid and reliable in mildly disabled PwMS. 3MBWT is an effective and reliable tool for measuring ability to walk backward in mildly disabled PwMS.

Identifying falls remotely in people with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Falling is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) but tends to be under-ascertained and under-treated.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate fall risk in people with MS.

METHODS

Ninety-four people with MS, able to walk > 2 min with or without an assistive device (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS ≤ 6.5) were recruited. Clinic-based measures were recorded at baseline and 1 year. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including a fall survey and the MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12), were completed at baseline, 1.5, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Average daily step counts (STEPS) were recorded using a wrist-worn accelerometer.

RESULTS

50/94 participants (53.2%) reported falling at least once. Only 56% of participants who reported a fall on research questionnaires had medical-record documented falls. Fallers had greater disability [median EDSS 5.5 (IQR 4.0-6.0) versus 2.5 (IQR 1.5-4.0), p < 0.001], were more likely to have progressive MS (p = 0.003), and took fewer STEPS (mean difference - 1,979, p = 0.007) than Non-Fallers. Stepwise regression revealed MSWS-12 as a major predictor of future falls.

CONCLUSIONS

Falling is common in people with MS, under-reported, and under-ascertained by neurologists in clinic. Multimodal fall screening in clinic and remotely may help improve patient care by identifying those at greatest risk, allowing for timely intervention and referral to specialized physical rehabilitation.

Identification of modified dynamic gait index cutoff scores for assessing fall risk in people with Parkinson disease, stroke and multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Balance and gait impairments increase fall rate and injury in people with neurological disorders(PwND). The modified Dynamic Gait Index(mDGI) is a scale assessing dynamic balance during walking, however its ability in identifying Fallers and Recurrent Fallers has not been studied.

RESEARCH QUESTION

To evaluate mDGI's ability in identifying retrospective Fallers and Recurrent Fallers establishing cut-off scores for its use in clinical practice.

METHOD

In this cross-sectional study, the number of retrospective falls and mDGI scores were collected. PwND were categorised as Non-Fallers or Fallers (falls≥1) and as Recurrent Fallers(falls≥2) or Non-Recurrent/Non-Fallers(falls<2) according to their number of retrospective falls over two months. Two generalised linear logistic models were developed using a machine learning method to detect Fallers (Model 1) and Recurrent Fallers (Model 2) based on mDGI scores. ROC curves were used to identify mDGI cut-off scores to distinguish between different fall categories.

RESULTS

58 PwND (mean ± standard deviation age: 63.4 ± 12 years) including 28 people with Multiple Sclerosis, 15 people with Parkinson's disease and 15 people with Stroke were analysed. The mDGI score(median (IQR)) for Non-Fallers, Fallers, Recurrent Fallers and Non-Recurrent/Non-Fallers was respectively 50(22), 37(22), 26.5(20.25) and 46.5(20.5)points. The cut-off to identify Fallers from Non-Fallers was 49 points(sensitivity:100 %, specificity:50 %, post-test probability with mDGI ≤ cut-off: 53.2 %, post-test probability with mDGI > cut-off: 0%, AUC:0.68), while 29 points(sensitivity:60 %, specificity:79 %, post-test probability with mDGI ≤ cut-off:52.1 %, post-test probability with mDGI > cut-off:16.1 %, AUC:0.70) was the best cut-off to identify Recurrent Fallers.

SIGNIFICANCE

People with mDGI score>49 points have low or minimal fall risk, while people with mDGI score≤49 points should be further investigated with other scales before starting a balance-focused rehabilitation intervention. People scoring ≤29 points on the mDGI scale may need a fall prevention intervention, regardless of the results of other balance clinical measures.

Balance provocation tests identify near falls in healthy community adults aged 40-75 years; an observational study

BACKGROUND

Near falls, such as stumbles or slips without falling to the ground, are more common than falls and often lead to a fall.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to investigate which balance tests differentiate near fallers from fallers and non-fallers.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, observational study assessed balance in healthy community dwelling adults aged 40-75 years. Participants reported falls and near falls in the previous 6 months. Balance testing was completed in the local community for static (i.e. feet together and single-leg stance) and dynamic balance (i.e. tandem walk, Functional Movement Screen hurdle step and lunge). Between-group comparative analysis of pass-fail for each balance test was undertaken.

RESULTS

Of 627 participants, there were 99 fallers (15.8%), 121 near fallers (19.3%) and 407 non-fallers (64.9%). Near fallers were twice as likely as non-fallers to fail single-leg stance eyes (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.5-4.9), five tandem steps (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5-5.7), hurdle step (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.4-5.8), and lunge (OR 2.5. 95% CI 1.5-4.1). The predictive capacity differentiates near fallers with a sensitivity of 73.3%.

DISCUSSION

A new battery of tests assessing static and dynamic balance identifies near fallers in seemingly healthy, community dwelling middle- and young-older-aged adults.

Validating the walking while talking test to measure motor, cognitive, and dual-task performance in ambulatory individuals with multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is associated with demyelination of the central nervous system that negatively impacts both motor and cognitive function, resulting in difficulty performing simultaneous motor and cognitive tasks, or dual-tasks. Declines in dual-tasking have been linked with falls in MS; thus, dual-task assessment with the Walking While Talking Test (WWTT) is commonly utilized in the clinical setting. However, the validity and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the WWTT has not been established for persons with MS. The primary objective of the study was to establish the WWTT as a valid measure of dual-task function by examining concurrent validity with other motor, cognitive and dual-task measures, and to establish the MDC for both the simple and complex conditions of the WWTT.

METHODS

In a single visit, 38 adults (34 female, mean (SD) age 49.8(±9.1), Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) mean 3, range 1-6) completed the WWTT simple (walk while reciting the alphabet) and complex (walk while reciting every other letter of the alphabet) conditions as well as a battery of cognitive and motor tests. Spearman correlations were used to examine concurrent validity. The sample was divided into low and high disability groups to determine the impact of disability severity on relationships among WWTT and cognitive and motor function.

RESULTS

Excellent concurrent validity (r ≥ 0.79; p < 0.001) was observed for the WWTT simple and complex with both motor (Timed Up-and-Go, Timed 25-Foot Walk, forward and backward walking velocity, Six-Spot Step Test) and dual-task measures (Timed Up-and-Go Cognitive). The WWTT-simple demonstrated moderate concurrent validity with measures of processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test, p = 0.041) and was related to all motor and dual-task measures across disability levels. The WWTT complex was only related to complex motor tasks in the low disability group. Within the low disability group, WWTT was associated with processing speed (p = 0.045) and working memory (California Verbal Learning Test, p = 0.012). The MDC values were established for WWTT simple (6.9 s) and complex (8 s) conditions.

DISCUSSION

The WWTT is a quick, easy-to-administer clinical measure that captures both motor and cognitive aspects of performance for persons with MS. Clinicians should consider adding the WWTT to the evaluation of persons with MS to examine dual-task performance.

Wearables and Deep Learning Classify Fall Risk From Gait in Multiple Sclerosis

Falls are a significant problem for persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Yet fall prevention interventions are not often prescribed until after a fall has been reported to a healthcare provider. While still nascent, objective fall risk assessments could help in prescribing preventative interventions. To this end, retrospective fall status classification commonly serves as an intermediate step in developing prospective fall risk assessments. Previous research has identified measures of gait biomechanics that differ between PwMS who have fallen and those who have not, but these biomechanical indices have not yet been leveraged to detect PwMS who have fallen. Moreover, they require the use of laboratory-based measurement technologies, which prevent clinical deployment. Here we demonstrate that a bidirectional long short-term (BiLSTM) memory deep neural network was able to identify PwMS who have recently fallen with good performance (AUC of 0.88) based on accelerometer data recorded from two wearable sensors during a one-minute walking task. These results provide substantial improvements over machine learning models trained on spatiotemporal gait parameters (21% improvement in AUC), statistical features from the wearable sensor data (16%), and patient-reported (19%) and neurologist-administered (24%) measures in this sample. The success and simplicity (two wearable sensors, only one-minute of walking) of this approach indicates the promise of inexpensive wearable sensors for capturing fall risk in PwMS.

Anwendung von Wearables bei Multipler Sklerose

Wearables sind mit Sensoren ausgestattete Geräte oder Funktionskleidung, welche im Bereich der Multiplen Sklerose bis dato v. a. zur Messung von Bewegung in Form von Accelerometern in Verwendung sind. Im Gegensatz zu technisch aufwendigen Ganganalysesystemen und neurologischen Funktionstests können solche Wearables im Alltag einfach eingesetzt werden und bieten die Möglichkeit Ausmaß, Geschwindigkeit und Dauer von Bewegung auch über längere Zeiträume zu erfassen. Zusätzlich können auch spezifischere Parameter wie Schrittlänge, Bewegungsumfang einzelner Gelenke sowie physiologische und pathologische Bewegungsmuster dokumentiert werden. Die durch Accelerometer erhobenen Informationen korrelieren gut mit der körperlichen Aktivität im Alltag, kardiorespiratorischen Biomarkern der Bewegung, dem Ausmaß der Behinderung aber auch mit technisch aufwendigen Ganganalysen.

Insofern werden Wearables in Zukunft eine immer wichtigere Rolle spielen, wenn es darum geht, die Beweglichkeit als einen der wichtigsten Faktoren der Lebensqualität von Personen mit MS im Alltag reliabel und einfach zu messen.

Risk factors for falling for people with Multiple Sclerosis identified in a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors for falling for people with Multiple Sclerosis.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Neurology service in a tertiary hospital.

SUBJECTS

Participants were 101 people with Multiple Sclerosis and Expanded Disability Status Score of 3-6.5. One participant withdrew after the baseline assessment; data were analysed for 100 participants.

INTERVENTIONS

No intervention.

MAIN MEASURES

Outcome was rate of falls, and predictors were Timed Up and Go, Symbol Digit Modalities test, demographics and 15 self-report questions about various symptoms including fatigue, concentration, dual tasking, bladder and bowel control. Three-month prospective diaries recorded falls.

RESULTS

There were 791 falls reported over the 3-month period from a total of 56 fallers. Falls rate per person-year was 32.08 falls. Following multivariable regression analysis, the model with the greatest levels of clinical utility and discriminative ability (sensitivity 88% and area under the receiving operating curve statistic = 0.72, 95% CI 0.62-0.82), included the variables of history of a fall, not having visual problems, problems with bladder control and a slower speed on the Timed Up and Go.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the high incidence of falls for people with Multiple Sclerosis and provides a risk prediction model including fall history, problems with bladder control, not having visual problems and a slower Timed Up and Go speed that may be used to identify those at greater risk and in need of tailored falls prevention intervention.

Higher Disease and Pain Severity and Fatigue and Lower Balance Skills Are Associated with Higher Prevalence of Falling among Individuals with the Inflammatory Disease of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)

Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorder that is associated with impaired vision, sensory loss, pain, fatigue, and spasms in the upper and lower limbs. Typically, persons with this disorder are also at higher risks of falls. Given this, the aims of the study were to compare the prevalence rates of falling for NMOSD cases and healthy controls (HCs), and to predict falling in the former group based on sociodemographic, psychological, and illness-related factors. Method: A total of 95 adults with NMOSD (Mean age = 34.89 years; 70.5% females) and 100 matched HCs took part in the study. All participants completed a series of questionnaires covering sociodemographic information and falling rates. The NMOSD individuals also reported on disease duration, pain, fatigue, and fear of falling, while their balance performance was objectively assessed. Results: Compared to healthy controls, the NMOSD cases had a 2.5-fold higher risk of falling. In this latter group, higher scores for pain, fatigue, fear of falling, and higher EDSS scores were distinguished between fallers and non-fallers, and objective balance skills had no predictive value. Conclusions: Compared to healthy controls, NMOSD sufferers had a 2.5-fold higher risk of experiencing falls. In this group, disease impairments (EDSS, fatigue, pain) predicted falling. Specific interventions such as regular resistance training might reduce the risk of falling.

Backward Walking and Dual-Task Assessment Improve Identification of Gait Impairments and Fall Risk in Individuals with MS

Background

Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience deficits in motor and cognitive domains, resulting in impairment in dual-task walking ability. The goal of this study was to compare performance of forward walking and backward walking in single- and dual-task conditions in persons with MS to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We also examined relationships between forward and backward walking to cognitive function, balance, and retrospective fall reports.

Methods

All measures were collected in a single session. A 2 × 2 × 2 mixed model ANOVA was used to compare differences in forward and backward walking in single- and dual-task conditions between MS and healthy controls. Spearman correlations were used to examine relationships between gait and cognitive function, falls, and balance.

Results

Eighteen individuals with relapsing-remitting MS and 14 age- and sex-matched healthy controls participated. Backward walking velocity revealed significant differences between groups for both single-task (p = 0.015) and dual-task (p = 0.014) conditions. Persons with MS demonstrated significant differences between single- and dual-task forward and backward walking velocities (p = 0.023; p = 0.004), whereas this difference was only apparent in the backward walking condition for healthy controls (p = 0.004). In persons with MS, there were significant differences in double support time between single- and dual-task conditions in both backward (p < 0.001) and forward (p = 0.001) directions. More falls at six months were significantly associated with shorter backward dual-task stride length (r = −0.490; p = 0.046) and slower velocity (r = −0.483; p = 0.050).

Conclusion

Differences in MS and age- and sex-matched healthy controls are more pronounced during backward compared to forward walking under single- and dual-task conditions. Future work with a larger sample size is needed to validate the clinical utility of backward walking and dual-task assessments and mitigate the limited sensitivity of the current dual-task assessments that primarily rely upon forward walking.

Falls in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Risk Identification, Intervention, and Future Directions

Falls are highly prevalent in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and result in a range of negative consequences, such as injury, activity curtailment, reduced quality of life, and increased need for care and time off work. This narrative review aims to summarize key literature and to discuss future work needed in the area of fall prevention for people with MS. The incidence of falls in people with MS is estimated to be more than 50%, similar to that in adults older than 80 years. The consequences of falls are considerable because rate of injury is high, and fear of falling and low self-efficacy are significant problems that lead to activity curtailment. A wide range of physiological, personal, and environmental factors have been highlighted as potential risk factors and predictors of falls. Falls are individual and multifactorial, and, hence, approaches to interventions will likely need to adopt a multifactorial approach. However, the literature to date has largely focused on exercise-based interventions, with newer, more comprehensive interventions that use both education and exercise showing promising results. Several gaps in knowledge of falls in MS remain, in particular the lack of standardized definitions and outcome measures, to enable data pooling and comparison. Moving forward, the involvement of people with MS in the design and evaluation of programs is essential, as are approaches to intervention development that consider implementation from the outset.

Fall definitions, faller classifications and outcomes used in falls research among people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review

Purpose: To identify the definitions of a fall, faller classifications and outcomes used in prospectively-recorded falls research among people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).Methods: A systematic review of peer-reviewed journal articles was conducted using electronic databases. Relevant data were extracted by one reviewer and verified by a second independent reviewer.Results: Twenty-six papers met the inclusion criteria. A relative degree of heterogeneity existed amongst studies for the outcomes of interest to this review. Thirteen different fall definitions were identified. Fourteen different falls outcomes were used across the included studies, with six of these reported by only one study each. Data regarding injurious falls were presented by only eight papers. The majority (n = 17) of papers classified individuals as a faller if they fell at least once.Conclusions: This review highlights the large variation in fall definitions, faller classifications and outcomes used in this research field. This hinders cross-comparison and pooling of data, thereby preventing researchers and clinicians from drawing conclusive findings from existing literature. The creation of an international standard for the definition of a fall, faller classification and falls outcomes would allow for transparent and coordinated falls research for people with MS, facilitating progression in this research field.Implications for rehabilitationFalls are a common occurrence among people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) resulting in numerous negative consequences.There is large heterogeneity in the definitions, methods and outcomes used in falls research for people with MS.This lack of standardisation prevents the accurate cross-comparison and pooling of data, impeding the identification of falls risk factors and effective falls prevention interventions for people with MS.Consequently, clinicians should interpret the outcomes of falls research for people with MS with caution, particularly when comparing studies regarding falls risk assessments and falls prevention interventions for use in clinical practice.

Development of the Better Balance Program for People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Complex Fall-Prevention Intervention

Background

Approximately 56% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) will fall in any 3-month period, with the potential for physical, psychological, and social consequences. Fall-prevention research for people with MS is in its infancy, with a timely need to develop theory-based interventions that reflect the complexity of falls. The clear articulation of the development of any complex intervention is paramount to its future evaluation, usability, and effectiveness. Our aim was to describe how the development of Better Balance, a complex multicomponent fall-prevention intervention for people with MS, was guided by the Medical Research Council framework for the development of complex interventions.

Methods

Sources of information included existing literature, original research, clinician interviews, and views of people with MS. These sources were synthesized and refined through an iterative process of intervention development involving researchers, clinicians, and people with MS.

Results

The resulting intervention is outlined through a variety of key tasks supplementing the original Medical Research Council framework. Use of this framework resulted in a theoretically based and user-informed complex intervention designed to address the physiological, personal, and behavioral risk factors associated with falls in people with MS.

Conclusions

The articulation of the systematic process used to develop Better Balance will inform the future evaluation and usability of the intervention.

Identificação de fatores de risco para quedas em indivíduos com esclerose múltipla: uma revisão sistemática de estudos prospectivos

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar, a partir de uma revisão sistemática, variáveis clínicas, instrumentais e demográficas associadas com maior risco de queda em indivíduos com esclerose múltipla (EM), com base em dados prospectivos. A pesquisa foi conduzida nas bases de dados Medline, Web of Science, Bireme e CINAHL, utilizando os descritores “esclerose múltipla”, “quedas”, “quedas acidentais”, “risco de quedas”, “controle postural” e “equilíbrio”, seguido de buscas manuais. Foram considerados elegíveis estudos de coorte prospectivos, com período mínimo de acompanhamento das quedas de três meses, que avaliassem a associação de determinada variável demográfica, clínica ou instrumental em relação a maior risco de queda em indivíduos com EM. A escala de Newcastle-Ottawa modificada foi utilizada para avaliação da qualidade metodológica dos estudos incluídos. Foram identificados 357 estudos, 12 dos quais foram incluídos na revisão sistemática, com total de 1.270 pacientes incluídos. Destes, 740 (58,26%) pacientes apresentaram um ou mais episódios de queda, 396 (31,18%) apresentaram episódios de queda recorrentes (2≥quedas no período estipulado), e 530 (41,74%) não apresentaram nenhum episódio. Com exceção da espasticidade e do impacto da dupla tarefa na velocidade da marcha, todas as variáveis investigadas apresentaram resultados conflitantes quanto às suas associações a maior risco de quedas. São necessários mais estudos que apresentem homogeneidade dos fenótipos clínicos de indivíduos com EM, além da utilização de instrumentos de avaliação validados, a fim de estabelecer uma associação robusta de outras variáveis clínicas, instrumentais e demográficas com maior risco de queda.

Do clinical balance measures have the ability to predict falls among ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury? A systematic review and meta-analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Fall prevalence is high among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and falls may lead to serious consequences. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of clinical balance measures to predict falls among ambulatory individuals with SCI.

METHODS

We searched the online databases MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, SportDiscuss, and CINAHL. Two reviewers independently selected prospective and cross-sectional studies of ambulatory adults with SCI, with a method of falls tracking and a clinical balance evaluation. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. A meta-analysis of prospective and cross-sectional studies was performed using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

Ten studies from the 2672 studies identified were included in the qualitative synthesis. Nine studies were included in the meta-analyses. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go Test demonstrate ability to differentiate between fallers and non-fallers, mean difference 5.25 (95% CI, 0.29 to 10.20) and 6.65 (95% CI, 0.17 to 13.12) respectively. The BBS presents moderate predictive ability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.61 and sensitivity of 65%). Individuals with a BBS score ≥ 40 are likely at risk of falls.

CONCLUSION

The BBS is the most appropriate and specific clinical balance measure with the ability to discriminate between ambulatory fallers and non-fallers. However, the fall predictive abilities of the measure need to be further explored and improved for this population.

Anticipatory postural adjustment during gait initiation in multiple sclerosis patients: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes balance and walking disorders. Gait initiation is the complex transition between standing and walking and is characterized by two distinct phases: the anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) phase followed by the execution of the first step phase.

RESEARCH AIM

To determine alterations in the APA during gait initiation in patients with MS.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in May 2018. The search was carried out by the use of the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. The following keywords were used: MS, gait initiation, step initiation, and postural adjustment(s). Outcomes of interest were the variables generally used to assess APA, including electromyography, force-plate data, or video-based data, duration of APA, and length of first step. The Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the studies.

RESULTS

Eight case-control studies were included; one was a transverse study. A total of 215 MS patients and 116 healthy subjects were included with ages ranging from 22 to 76 years old. In MS patients, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores ranged from 0 to 7. APA CoP displacements were smaller in the anteroposterior axis. Four studies evaluated muscle activation during APA. The latencies of all muscles were delayed, and smaller magnitudes of muscle activity during APA were found, even in the early stage of disease. The first step was shorter in MS patients than in healthy patients. No previous study has reported joint movement or trunk inclination during gait initiation.

SIGNIFICANCE

This review illustrates the gap in knowledge of APA alterations in MS patients. APA assessment in the early stage of MS could be an interesting measure to characterize balance, dynamic control and risk of fall for such patients.

Fall Prevalence and Contributors to the Likelihood of Falling in Persons With Upper Limb Loss

BACKGROUND

Arms are important for locomotor stability and preventing falls by controlling whole-body angular momentum, redirecting the body's center of mass, and providing support to arrest descent. Hence, upper limb loss (ULL) can increase fall risk. However, the prevalence of falls and factors that influence fall risk have not previously been reported for people with ULL.

OBJECTIVE

This study quantified fall prevalence in persons with ULL at or proximal to the wrist and identified clinical factors that contributed to the likelihood of falling.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Factors including body and health characteristics, activity level, fall history, prosthesis use, and balance confidence were determined for persons with ULL proximal to the wrist using an online survey. Logistic regression analyses assessed the contribution of these factors to the classification of fallers (≥2 falls in previous year) and nonfallers.

RESULTS

A percentage (28.6%) of participants (n = 105) reported experiencing 2 or more falls in the past year. The regression model (R2 = 0.473) correctly classified 84.5% of cases and indicated that increased likelihood of falling was significantly influenced by reduced balance confidence, use of upper limb prostheses, and reduced physical capabilities.

LIMITATIONS

Data were collected online from a convenience sample, and fall classification was based on retrospective data.

CONCLUSIONS

Falls in persons with ULL are prevalent, suggesting that clinicians should use screening methods to identify at-risk individuals. Balance confidence, use of upper limb prostheses, and perceived physical capabilities could be useful screening metrics. Research is warranted to better understand the factors that underlie fall risk in persons with ULL and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions capable of mitigating fall risk.

Discriminative ability and clinical utility of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) in identifying falls risk in people with multiple sclerosis: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate discriminative ability and clinical utility of the Timed Up and Go under single- and dual-task conditions between fallers and non-fallers in multiple sclerosis (MS).

DESIGN:

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING:

Neurology service in a tertiary hospital.

SUBJECTS:

Participants were 101 people with MS and Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 3-6.5. One participant withdrew after the baseline assessment, and hence the data were analysed for 100 participants.

INTERVENTIONS:

No specific intervention.

MAIN MEASURES:

Timed Up and Go and Timed Up and Go-Cognitive. Three-month prospective diaries recorded falls.

RESULTS:

Mean age was 52.6 (SD 10.7) and 66 were female. Majority of the participants had progressive MS (72) and 73 used a walking aid; 56 participants recorded 791 falls. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for Timed Up and Go and Timed Up and Go-Cognitive in distinguishing fallers (person with ⩾1 fall) from non-fallers are 0.60 and 0.57, respectively, and in distinguishing multiple fallers (⩾2 falls) the values are 0.46 and 0.43. A Timed Up and Go score of ⩾9 seconds has a sensitivity of 0.82 and a specificity of 0.34 to identify fallers and a sensitivity of 0.79 and a specificity of 0.27 to identify multiple fallers. A Timed Up and Go-Cognitive score of ⩾11 seconds has a sensitivity of 0.77 and a specificity of 0.30 to identify fallers and a sensitivity of 0.71 and a specificity of 0.26 to identify multiple fallers.

CONCLUSION:

The Timed Up and Go and Timed Up and Go-Cognitive do not demonstrate sufficient clinical utility or discriminative ability for assessing falls risk in MS.

Postural control deficits in people with Multiple Sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that can affect the postural stability of the individual and predispose falls in this population.

METHODS

A systematic literature search identified case-control studies investigating differences in postural control across a diversity of task conditions, with the exception of gait, between people with MS and healthy controls. Meta-analysis was conducted where a variable was presented by four or more studies.

RESULTS

Forty-three studies of people with a mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of 1.0 to 6.0 were included. Seven conditions of assessment and 105 individual measurement variables relating to postural control were included. Quiet stance was the only condition (11 studies) possessing sufficient data to contribute to meta-analysis in terms of centre of pressure path length (SMD = 1.04, 95% CI {0.86-1.22}, p < 0.001), medio-lateral velocity (SMD = 1.35, 95% CI {0.77-1.92}, p < 0.001) and 95% confidence ellipse (SMD = 0.83 95% CI {0.59-1.08}, p < 0.001).

RESULTS

indicate that regardless of task complexity or sensory condition, people with MS display considerable deficits in postural control in comparison to healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The large number of variables and lack of standardisation of reporting makes data synthesis challenging, however, people with MS display considerable deficits in postural control compared to healthy controls regardless of task condition or complexity.