Predicting Falls in Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis
Author Information
Author(s): Holtzer Roee
Primary Institution: Yeshiva University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can brain hemodynamic responses during dual-task-walking predict falls in older adults with multiple sclerosis?
Conclusion
Higher brain oxygen levels during dual-task walking may help prevent falls in older adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Higher HbO under dual-task-walking was significantly associated with a reduction in falls for relapsing-remitting MS.
- Faster stride velocity under dual-task-walking was significantly associated with a reduction in falls for progressive MS.
Takeaway
This study found that how the brain works while walking can help predict if older adults with multiple sclerosis will fall.
Methodology
Participants completed a dual-task-walking paradigm while brain activity was measured using functional-near-infrared-spectroscopy.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 53 with relapsing-remitting MS and 28 with progressive MS, with a mean age around 65 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=.004
Confidence Interval
95%CI=.284 to.785
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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