Overview
Purpose of the Study:
The aim of this study is to determine the cut-off values of gait variability and limits of stability-postural sways scores in patients with MS in order to identify fall risk at an early stage and take necessary precautions. Additionally, the study aims to compare the effectiveness of these parameters in distinguishing between fallers and non-fallers.
The study includes four hypotheses:
H₁: Gait variability scores can differentiate between fallers and non-fallers in patients with MS.
H₂: Limits of stability and postural sways scores can differentiate between fallers and non-fallers in patients with MS.
H₃: Gait variability scores provide higher sensitivity and specificity than stability limits and postural sway scores in distinguishing between fallers and non-fallers in patients with MS.
H₄: Limits of stability and postural sways scores provide higher sensitivity and specificity than gait variability scores in distinguishing between fallers and non-fallers in patients with MS.
Description
Gait variability will be assessed using the GaitRite gait analysis system. Limits of stability and postural sways will be evaluated using the Bertec Balance Check Screener™ force platform system. Patients' fall history (number of falls, fear of falling, location of falls, presence of injury, etc.) will also be questioned.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosed with MS by a neurologist according to the McDonald criteria
- Aged 18 years or older
- EDSS ≤ 5 (able to walk independently)
- Mini-Mental State Examination score of 24 or higher
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients with neurological conditions other than MS that may affect independent walking or standing, those with lower extremity pain, or a history of lower extremity fractures within the past 6 months
- Patients who do not agree to participate or do not provide written informed consent will be excluded from the study.