Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2012
DOI
10.1155/2012/315620
Publication Title
Multiple Sclerosis Corporation
Volume
2012
Pages
1-5
Abstract
Objectives. To examine the association between fall history and physical activity using an objective measure of physical activity (i.e., accelerometry) in persons with multiple sclerosis.
Design. A community-based sample of 75 ambulatory persons with multiple sclerosis volunteered for the investigation. Participants self-reported fall history in the last year, underwent a neurological exam to determine Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, and wore an accelerometer around the waist for 7 consecutive days to determine physical activity.
Results. Overall, 37 persons (49.3% of the sample) reported falling in the last year with 28 of the 37 falling more than once. Persons who fell in the last year had a significantly lower number of steps/day than nonfallers (3510 versus 4940 steps/day; P < .05). However, when controlling for disability status there was no statistically significant difference between fallers and nonfallers (4092 versus 4373 steps/day; P >.05).
Conclusions. Collectively, the findings suggest that fall history may have little impact on current physical activity levels in persons with multiple sclerosis.
Original Publication Citation
Sosnoff, J. J., Sandroff, B. M., Pula, J. H., Morrison, S. M., & Motl, R. W. (2012). Falls and physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis International, 2012, 1-5. doi: 10.1155/2012/315620
Repository Citation
Sosnoff, J. J.; Sandroff, B. M.; Pula, J. H.; Morrison, S. M.; and Motl, R. W., "Falls and Physical Activity in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis" (2012). Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications. 20.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/pt_pubs/20