Abstract
Basis: Impaired postural stability causes increased risk of falls in people with MS. It is presented that 50% of people with MS experienced falls.
Unpleasant experience from fall may lead to fear of further falls, leading to vicious cycle where patients reduce their physical, social and other activities. Aim of our study was to find out which clinical characteristics correlate with fall incidence and fear of falls in patients with MS in Czech environment.
Statistics: 69 people with MS enrolled this study, while according to patients' history, 13 (18,8%) people were identified with repeated falls in history. Fears from falls expressed via score in FESI questionnaire correlated significantly with rate of neurological disability (r=0.776) and increased fatigue (r=0.716).
Weaker correlation was found with smaller gait speed (r=0.694) and depression (r=0.589). Conclusion: Therapeutic intervention focused on gait and balance impairments should take into consideration also mentioned factors connected with incidence of falls.