There was a statistically significant difference (Mann-Whitney U test) in the TUG scores between fallers 12.1(7.6 IQR) and non-fallers 11.3(5.4 IQR) (p=0.041) but not in the Tug cognitive scores 13.7(10.7 IQR) for fallers and 13.2(6.3 IQR) for non-fallers. 58% of the fallers were multiple fallers. There was a total of 539 falls recorded over the 3 month period from 38 participants. The majority of the group had secondary progressive MS (53%) and 75% used a walking aid. Mean age (N=75) was 54 and 67% were female. Falls were prospectively recorded for 3 months using falls diaries. Consenting participants completed a questionnaire of falls risk factors, TUG and SDMT. Data collected included the EDSS score (disability), SDMT score (cognitive impairment), time since diagnosis, type of MS and walking aid(s) used. The objective of this analysis is to examine the difference between fallers and non-fallers for the timed up and go test (TUG) with and without cognitive challenges, and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT).Ĭonsecutive patients with MS attending the Neurology service in a tertiary hospital were recruited. As of yet there is no reliable, quick, easy to use falls assessment tool validated for people with MS. Therefore, it is essential to identify potential fallers early and initiate appropriate falls prevention interventions. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease with a high falls incidence of greater than 60% (Gunn et al, 2013).
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