title: Cognitive processing speed is related to fall frequency in older adults with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine mobility, balance, fall risk, and cognition in older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) as a function of fall frequency.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective, cross-sectional design.
  
  
  METHODS
  University research laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Community-dwelling persons with MS (N=27) aged between 50 and 75 years were divided into 2 groups-single-time (n=11) and recurrent (n=16; >2 falls/12 mo) fallers-on the basis of fall history.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mobility was assessed using a variety of measures including Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12, walking speed (Timed 25-Foot Walk test), endurance (6-Minute Walk test), and functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test). Balance was assessed with the Berg Balance Scale, posturography, and self-reported balance confidence. Fall risk was assessed with the Physiological Profile Assessment. Cognitive processing speed was quantified with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recurrent fallers had slower cognitive processing speed than single-time fallers (P ≤.01). There was no difference in mobility, balance, or fall risk between recurrent and single-time fallers (P>.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results indicated that cognitive processing speed is associated with fall frequency and may have implications for fall prevention strategies targeting recurrent fallers with MS.
authors: Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA. jsosnoff@illinois.edu
authors: Jacob J
authors: JJ
authors: Sosnoff
authors: Swathi
authors: S
authors: Balantrapu
authors: Lara A
authors: LA
authors: Pilutti
authors: Brian M
authors: BM
authors: Sandroff
authors: Steven
authors: S
authors: Morrison
authors: Robert W
authors: RW
authors: Motl
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: BBS; Balance; Berg Balance Scale; Falls; Locomotion; MS; PASAT; PPA; Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test; Physiological Profile Assessment; Posture; Rehabilitation; SDMT; Symbol Digit Modalities Test; multiple sclerosis