Symposium on fall risk in people w/MS

[agate]

There was a symposium on fall risk and prevention in people with MS, and the MS Society has some information about it. One part that may be of interest was the statement that some investigators are exploring

why, while assistive devices such as canes are intended to improve walking and prevent falls, studies show that use is associated with increased falls in people with MS. Reviewing the literature, the team found that using assistive devices increases the attentional demands of walking, so “multi-task” training may reduce falls. Also, some devices may increase energy demands more than others, increasing fatigue that may then increase the risk of falls. Using devices that require less energy expenditure could minimize fall risk.

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[stillstANNding]

For me it is true. Everyone wants to give me a cane for balance. With a cane, I am dangerous. My arms go out and find that exact degree of up or down, each one independently, to keep me from falling. A cane becomes an unintended weapon.

ANN

[Howie]

Just to show how weird I am (like you need proof) I have 3 canes in the house, 1 collapsible cane I keep in the car, a walker, a HoverounD, and don't use any of them. But I blame it on being a Boy Scout. Our motto was "Be prepared".

[agate]

Years ago I tried a quad cane, the kind with 4 little feet to make it more stable. I hated it. Tripped over it, for one thing. For another, carrying it put me off balance. It didn't weigh so very much but just that little bit of extra weight on the one side made me wobblier.

I try not to carry things when walking anyway. If I do carry something, I try to distribute stuff evenly on both sides.

[SalpalSally]

I liked my cane, but liked my walker with a seat more. As it was more sturdy?

[Frog42]

Years ago I tried a quad cane, the kind with 4 little feet to make it more stable. I hated it.

I bought one and I hated it too. Now it sits in the corner and I sometimes hang things on it.