Prevalence of Falling and Injuries in People Aging with Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Post-Polio Syndrome, and Spinal Cord Injury

TitlePrevalence of Falling and Injuries in People Aging with Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Post-Polio Syndrome, and Spinal Cord Injury
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference2012
AuthorsMatsuda P N, Verrall A, Finlayson M, Molton IR, Jensen MP
PublisherInternational Symposium on Gait and Balance in Multiple Sclerosis
Conference LocationPortland, OR

Background.  Falls among older adults often have devastating consequences.  However, knowledge about the scope and correlates of falls among people aging with multiple sclerosis (MS), muscular dystrophy (MD), post-polio (PPS), and spinal cord injury (SCI) is limited.  Research in this area is particularly important because these individuals often experience problems with mobility, balance, sensation, and strength that place them at significant risk for both falls and injurious falls.

Methods. Cross-sectional data were used from a survey of individuals aging (45 yrs +) with MS, MD, PPS, and SCI (n = 1,862). The survey contained 6 questions about falling. Logistic regression models were built to examine whether age, sex, and mobility were associated with falling.

Results.  The prevalence of falls reported in the last 6 months was 73% for people with MD, 56% for MS, 55% PPS, and 42% for SCI. The rates of injurious falls were:  23% in MD, 22% in PPS, 20% in SCI, and 19% in MS. The major factor associated with falling in all group was limitations in mobility (e.g., reporting use of an assistive device for mobility or limited self-mobility with use of physical assistance or device). Sex was only significant in people with MS, with women being less likely to fall than men.  Across all 4 groups the prevalence of falls was highest among the middle age groups (e.g.44-64).relative to the older groups (65+).

Conclusion/Clinical Relevance:  Falls are a common experience among people aging with MS, MD, PPS, or SCI.  Falls were experienced by all age groups studied, but greatest in those who are middle-aged (45-64).  This suggests that fall prevention strategies should not be limited to older individuals.   Preventing falls is of paramount importance.  A better understanding of the frequency, severity, and correlates of falls will assist health care providers to develop effective fall prevention and management programs for these individuals.