Over half of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) report falling over a 6-month period and a majority of those who fall require medical attention for injuries. Importantly, balance dysfunction, muscle weakness, and spasticity are modifiable risk factors for falls among community-dwelling older adults and likely persons with MS. Indeed, there is evidence that these physiological risk factors can be minimized with exercise training in persons with MS and this might translate into a decrease in fall risk as documented in community-dwelling older adults. The investigation will examine the effectiveness of a home-based exercise program that is designed to reduce fall risk by targeting specific fall risk factors including balance dysfunction and two of its latent causes, muscle weakness and spasticity in persons with multiple sclerosis. It is predicted that persons who receive home-based exercise program will have a reduction in fall risk.
Name: Home-based Exercise
Description: Physiological fall risk will be determined by the physiological profile assessment which assesses physiological function related to fall risk by combining measures of vision, proprioception, lower-limb strength, postural sway, and cognitive function.
Measure: Physiological Fall risk Time: 3 monthsDescription: Mobility will be quantified with performance on timed 25 foot walk (T25W), timed up and go (TUG), Six spot step test, 6 minute walk and the MS walking scale-12.
Measure: Mobility Time: 3 monthsDescription: Balance will be quantified with the Berg Balance scale; self-report of balance impairment (ABC); and force platform metrics (sway range and velocity).
Measure: Balance Time: 3 MonthsDescription: Spasticity will be assessed with the modified ashworth scale.
Measure: Spasticity Time: 3 MonthsAllocation: Randomized
Parallel Assignment
There is one SNP
Mobility will be quantified with performance on timed 25 foot walk (T25W), timed up and go (TUG), Six spot step test, 6 minute walk and the MS walking scale-12.. Balance. --- T25W ---