@article{ref1,
title="Falls in people with MS-an individual data meta-analysis from studies from Australia, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States",
journal="Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical and Laboratory Research",
year="2014",
author="Nilsagård, Y. and Gunn, H. and Freeman, James and Hoang, P. and Lord, S. and Mazumder, Rajarshi and Cameron, Michelle",
volume="21",
number="1",
pages="92-100",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Falls are common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Previous studies have generally included small samples and had varied methods. <br><br>OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this paper are to compile fall rates across a broad range of ages and disease severity and to definitively assess the extent to which MS-associated and demographic factors influence fall rates. <br><br>METHODS: Individual data from studies in four countries that prospectively measured falls for three months were analyzed. We determined fall rates, prevalence of fallers (≥1 falls) and frequent fallers (≥2 falls), location and timing of falls, and fall-related demographic factors. <br><br>RESULTS: A total of 537 participants reported 1721 falls: 56% were fallers and 37% frequent fallers. Most falls occurred indoors (65%) between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (75%). Primary progressive MS was associated with significantly increased odds of being a faller (odds ratio (OR) 2.02; CI 1.08-3.78). Fall risk peaked at EDSS levels of 4.0 and 6.0 with significant ORs between 5.30 (2.23-12.64) and 5.10 (2.08-12.47). The fall rate was lower in women than men (relative risk (RR) 0.80; CI 0.67-0.94) and decreased with increasing age (RR 0.97 for each year, CI 0.95-0.98). <br><br>CONCLUSION: PwMS are at high risk of falls and there are important associations between falls and MS-associated disability, gender and age.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1352-4585",
doi="10.1177/1352458514538884",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1352458514538884"
}