Associations of Mobility Measures with Prospective Falls in Ambulatory Older Adults with MS

In a study of 109 older adults with multiple sclerosis, increases in the Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scores correlated with a 27.7% increase in the odds of falling, while higher Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores correlated with a 25.1% decrease in those odds. Both measures were significantly comparable in their associations with falls.

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Source: Read original source (PMID 42772541)

This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.

Why it matters

These findings highlight how mobility indicators can impact fall risk in older adults with MS, potentially guiding future interventions or assessments to mitigate fall risks.

What this does not prove

The study does not explore the mechanistic links between mobility and fall risk, and findings may not be generalizable beyond the specific population studied.

Next milestone

No next milestone was established from the available source.

Study facts

Study design: Observational
Participants / samples: 109 · participants enrolled in the study
Randomised: No
Controlled: No
Primary endpoint met: Yes
Relevant MS type: Not reported
Publication date: 2026-09-22
Evidence reviewed: Abstract only
Regulatory approval: Not applicable
Research areas: Not classified

Original sources

Primary evidenceAssociations of Patient-Reported and Objective Measures of Mobility With Prospective Falls in Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2026.09.014

Supporting passages (16)

study phaseNot applicable

study designProspective cohort study

subjectsAmbulatory OAMS (n=109, mean age=64.74±4.3ys, %female=69.7)

sample sizen=109

sample size basisINTERVENTIONS: Not applicable MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants completed the PDDS and SPPB during in-person study visits and reported falls using a structured monthly telephone interview during follow-up that varied depending on participants' enrollment date into the study (mean duration of follow-up in years = 2.24±1.40).

randomizedNo

controlledNo

primary endpoint metAssociations of the PDDS and SPPB with prospective falls were significant and comparable among OAMS.

regulatory approvalNot applicable

publication date2026-09-22

interventionNot applicable

comparatorNot applicable

primary endpointassociations with prospective falls

follow upmean duration of follow-up in years = 2.24±1.40

findingsOne standard deviation increases in PDDS and SPPB scores were associated with an increase of 27.7% (OR=1.277, 95%CI=1.034 to 1.576, p=.023) and a decrease of 25.1% (OR=.749, 95%CI=.617 to .910, p=.004) in the odds of falling, respectively.

limitationsTitle: Associations of Patient-Reported and Objective Measures of Mobility With Prospective Falls in Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis.

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