Comparison of physical performance, gait, balance, falls efficacy, and step reaction time in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the physical performance, gait, balance, falls efficacy, and step reaction time in individuals with MS.

Methods: A total of 60 individuals (30 individuals with MS and 30 age and sex-matched healthy controls) were enrolled. Individuals' physical performance was evaluated with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSTS). Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12v2) and Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) were used to assess the balance, gait and fall efficacy of the participants. Individuals' step reaction time (SRT) was calculated with video-based software. The time between the step command and the first contact of the foot with the ground in the first step was recorded.

Results: The mean age of the individuals with MS and the control group was 38.5 ± 9.4 years and 33.9 ± 11.7 years, respectively. Significant differences existed between the groups in SRT, FES-I, ABC, and FTSTS (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between SRT with any other parameter (p > 0.05). TUG was moderately correlated with MSWS-12 and FES-I (r =0.426, r =0.495, p < 0.05). Besides, there was a moderate correlation between ABC with TUG and FTSTS (r =-0.605, r =-0.468, p < 0.05). A high degree correlation was found between MSWS-12 with FES-I and ABC (r =0.843, r =-0.834, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Individuals with MS have decreased SRTs. However, this condition was not found to be related to physical performance. Further studies should focus on the association of SRT with cognitive and psychosocial parameters.