Among the multiple risk factors studied , a reduced performance in balance and gait was consistently associated with falls , while the contribution of single physical and cognitive impairments was variable in different population s. Walking aids , wheelchair characteristics and environmental hazards are significant environmental risk factors .
Falling is a common problem among young patients affected by neurological disorders , although the risk of falling for a specific individual is difficult to predict and the risk of a severe fall-related injury has not yet been established .
IMPLICATION S FOR REHABILITATION Young patients with impaired gait and balance or medium to severe motor disability appear to be at increased risk of falling .
Patients who are relatively independent and still participating in challenging activities have an increased exposure to fall-risk .
Walking aids , wheelchair characteristics and environmental hazards are significant environmental risk factors .
PURPOSE To review systematic ally the literature on fall risk factors for young patients affected by neurological disorders .
Mobility, Balance and Falls in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis
Background There is a lack of information concerning the relation between objective measures of gait and balance and fall history in persons with MS ( PwMS ) . This investigation assessed the relation between demographic , clinical , mobility and balance metrics and falls history in persons with multiple sclerosis ( MS ) . Methods 52 ambulatory persons with MS ( PwMS ) participated in the investigation . All persons provided demographic information including fall history over the last 12 months . Disease status was assessed with Exp and  ed Disability Status Scale ( EDSS ) . Walking speed , coordination , endurance and postural control were quantified with a multidimensional mobility battery . Results Over 51 % of the participants fell in the previous year with 79 % of these people being suffering recurrent falls . Overall , fallers were older , had a greater prevalence of assistive devices use , worse disability , decreased walking endurance , and greater postural sway velocity with eyes closed compared to non-fallers . Additionally , fallers had greater impairment in cerebellar , sensory , pyramidal , and bladder/bowel subscales of the EDSS . Conclusions The current observations suggest that PwMS who are older , more disabled , utilize an assistive device , have decreased walking coordination and endurance and have diminished balance have fallen in the previous year . This suggests that individuals who meet these criteria need to be carefully monitored for future falls . Future research is needed to determine a prospect i ve model of falls specific to PwMS . Additionally , the utility of interventions aim ed at reducing falls and fall risk in PwMS needs to be established
Among the multiple risk factors studied , a reduced performance in balance and gait was consistently associated with falls , while the contribution of single physical and cognitive impairments was variable in different population s. Walking aids , wheelchair characteristics and environmental hazards are significant environmental risk factors .
Falling is a common problem among young patients affected by neurological disorders , although the risk of falling for a specific individual is difficult to predict and the risk of a severe fall-related injury has not yet been established .
IMPLICATION S FOR REHABILITATION Young patients with impaired gait and balance or medium to severe motor disability appear to be at increased risk of falling .
Patients who are relatively independent and still participating in challenging activities have an increased exposure to fall-risk .
Walking aids , wheelchair characteristics and environmental hazards are significant environmental risk factors .
PURPOSE To review systematic ally the literature on fall risk factors for young patients affected by neurological disorders .