E ISSN 2791-7851
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Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Year: 2023
The Modal
Association Between Lower Limb Spasticity and Falls in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis [J Mult Scler Res]
J Mult Scler Res. 2021; 1(2): 40-43 | DOI: 10.4274/jmsr.galenos.2021.2021.8-4

Association Between Lower Limb Spasticity and Falls in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Zuhal Abasıyanık1, Cavid Baba1, Turhan Kahraman2, Ozge Ertekin4, Serkan Ozakbas3
1Dokuz Eylul University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
2Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Izmir, Turkey
3Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Izmir, Turkey
4Dokuz Eylül University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Izmir, Turkey

INTRODUCTION: Falls and spasticity are among the most prevalent complaints in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Limited evidence exists on the direct relationship between lower limb spasticity and falls in pwMS. This study aimed to explore the association between lower limb spasticity, walking, and falls in pwMS.
METHODS: Thirty-nine patients were included (age: 35.4±9.52; 54% female, 46% male). The timed 25-foot walk (T25FW) and multiple sclerosis walking scale-12 (MSWS-12) were applied to evaluate walking. Participants reported their number of falls within the last three months. The severity of spasticity in lower limb muscles, comprising hip adductors, knee flexors and extensors, and plantar flexors, was tested using the modified ashworth scale.
RESULTS: Fifteen participants were fallers. Spasticity levels in the ankle plantar flexors were significantly greater (p=0.009) in fallers. The number of falls correlated with ankle plantar flexors and knee extensors (rho=0.497, rho=0.329; p<0.05, respectively). The severity of spasticity in all muscle groups was negatively correlated with walking (rho=0.335-0.692, p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There was a significant correlation between the degree of ankle plantar flexor and knee extensor spasticity and the number of falls in pwMS. This significant association between spasticity and fall history highlights the importance of designing therapeutic interventions optimizing lower limb spasticity.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, falls, walking, gait, spasticity

Zuhal Abasıyanık, Cavid Baba, Turhan Kahraman, Ozge Ertekin, Serkan Ozakbas. Association Between Lower Limb Spasticity and Falls in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis. J Mult Scler Res. 2021; 1(2): 40-43

Corresponding Author: Zuhal Abasıyanık, Türkiye
Manuscript Language: English
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