Fear of falling and falls in people with multiple sclerosis: A literature review

Maria Scholz; Rocco Haase; Katrin Trentzsch; Marie Luise Weidemann; Tjalf Ziemssen

doi:10.1016/j.msard.2020.102609

Fear of falling and falls in people with multiple sclerosis: A literature review

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2021 Jan:47:102609. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102609. Epub 2020 Oct 31.

Authors

Maria Scholz¹, Rocco Haase¹, Katrin Trentzsch¹, Marie Luise Weidemann¹, Tjalf Ziemssen²

Affiliations

¹ MS Center, Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, University of Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
² MS Center, Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, University of Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany. Electronic address: Tjalf.Ziemssen@uniklinikum-dresden.de.

PMID: 33189021
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102609

Abstract

Introduction: Fear of falling (FOF) is a widespread problem affecting about 60% of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Inflammatory lesions in the brain that are caused by the disease result in gait deficits and increase the risk of fall. Falls induce fear of falling and trigger a vicious circle, which in turn increases the likelihood of falling. Objective of this review was to provide an overview of existing research on the effects of FOF and therapy options in multiple sclerosis.

Methods: A systematic search at Web of Science and PubMed was conducted. The search included the terms (fear of falling) OR (concern about falling) OR (fall anxiety) AND (multiple sclerosis).

Results: In included studies, FOF was measured by different instruments. The Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) was the most frequently used instrument for pwMS. Patients with a higher FOF score fell more frequently, had lower walking speed, shorter stride length, larger ellipse sway area and a more severe disability. At present, therapeutic offers exist mainly in the field of physiotherapy. For reducing FOF, assisted vibration (d_z = 0.68), VR (d_z =0.87) and bicycle training (d_z = 1.23) were the most effective methods.

Conclusion: It is advisable to develop therapies that incorporate both physical and psychological aspects in neurorehabilitation, like in a cognitive behavioral therapy. Moreover, FOF monitoring should be integrated into the clinical routine.

Keywords: Fall; Fear of falling; Gait; Intervention; Multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Fear*
Gait
Humans
Multiple Sclerosis* / complications
Multiple Sclerosis* / therapy
Walking Speed