Drawing on Related Knowledge to Advance Multiple Sclerosis Falls-Prevention Research

International Journal of MS Care, 2014 · DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2014-052 · Published: January 1, 2014

Simple Explanation

Falls are a common issue for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but research from other fields can help improve falls prevention strategies. Sensory issues, physical activity promotion from spinal cord injury (SCI) research, and understanding aging with MS are key areas to consider. Sensory decline (vision, vestibular, somatosensory) can affect balance, and interventions for older adults could be adapted for MS. Physical activity promotion strategies successful in SCI populations can also be applied to MS. Aging-related concerns need consideration when developing MS falls-prevention interventions. A tailored approach considering individual differences in age, symptoms, strengths, and barriers, along with peer/caregiver support, is crucial for effective MS falls prevention.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Age-related deterioration in visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems can adversely affect postural control and contribute to falls in older people.
2
Peer-based interventions developed by SCI Action Canada are potentially relevant and could be adapted to the MS population for both physical activity promotion and falls prevention.
3
Falls prevention should be one of the key components, particularly for MS management in older or more disabled groups, considering that older people with MS constitute a growing proportion of the MS population.

Research Summary

Falls in MS are multifactorial and preventable, requiring knowledge of modifiable risks and theory-driven strategies. Research from outside MS, such as studies on older adults and spinal cord injury, can inform MS falls-prevention efforts. Sensory components of postural control, exercise interventions from SCI research, and aging with MS are three key areas to broaden approaches to falls-prevention research. Sensory-specific interventions and physical activity promotion strategies may be adaptable. A tailored MS falls-prevention intervention that includes peer/caregiver support is critical, considering individual differences. Key behavioral determinants of physical activity include self-efficacy, goal-setting, and planning.

Practical Implications

Sensory-Specific Interventions

Adapt sensory-specific interventions designed for older adults to improve balance and reduce falls in individuals with MS.

Peer-Based Support

Incorporate peer-based interventions, modeled after SCI Action Canada, to promote physical activity and falls prevention among people with MS.

Tailored Interventions

Develop tailored MS falls-prevention interventions that consider individual symptoms, strengths, barriers, and the need for long-term behavior changes, incorporating peer mentoring and caregiver support.

Study Limitations

1
The article is a perspective piece drawing on existing research, not a study with original data.
2
Specific limitations of the discussed research (sensory, SCI, aging) are not explicitly detailed.
3
The generalizability of SCI interventions to MS populations needs careful consideration and adaptation.

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