Authors

  1. Quinn, Gillian BSc (Physiotherapy)
  2. Comber, Laura BSc (Physiotherapy)
  3. O' Malley, Nicola BSc (Physiotherapy)
  4. McGuigan, Chris MD
  5. Galvin, Rose PhD
  6. Coote, Susan PhD

Abstract

Objective: To explore the relationship between dual-task cost and falls in people with multiple sclerosis.

 

Methods: One hundred participants completed a falls screening questionnaire, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and TUG-Cognitive (TUG-C) at baseline. Dual-task cost was the percentage change in performance between TUG and TUG-C. Falls were recorded prospectively for 3 months.

 

Results: Dual-task cost was not associated with increased risk of falls (P = .90, odds ratio = 1.00). Answering yes to a question about problems doing 2 things at once increased likelihood of falls (risk ratio = 2.07).

 

Conclusion: A single question asking about dual tasking may be a useful screen for falls risk assessment.