Article

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 3 months, as well as the
circumstances of each fall including related injuries. SETTING: Community
setting. PARTICIPANTS:
A population-based sample of people (N=150) with a
confirmed diagnosis of MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale, 3.5-6.5) was
recruited via a patient-centered 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 (rho=.474; 95% confidence interval, .34-.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. Injuries occurred in 11.1% of falls, with 6 individuals
requiring medical attention. CONCLUSIONS: 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.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS