Balance, Trunk Impairment and Fear of Falling in Multiple Sclerosis Patients With Incontinence

The Incontinence Severity Index (ISI) was used to assess the MS patients' incontinence severity.The first item is scored between 1 and 4 and the second item is scored between 1 and 3. The total score is calculated by the multiplication of these two answers. The index score is classified as 1-2 slight, 3-6 moderate, 8-9 severe, and 12 very severe.

The patients were assessed while their bladders were empty. The static balance of the patients was measured with a Technobody® stabilometric platform. The patients were assessed while their bladders were empty. The test was performed as the patients' arms on the sides, eyes open and closed, and on two feet. Ellipse area, anterior-posterior sway, and medial-lateral sway scores were recorded.

Trunk impairment was assessed with the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) while the participants' bladders were empty. The scale evaluates static and dynamic sitting balance and trunk coordination through 17 items. Each item is scored between 0 and 3. The total score ranges between 0 and 23, and higher scores indicate a better balance performance.

Fear of falling was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale developed by Tinetti and colleagues. The scale has 10 items assessing the effect of fear of falling on the confidence level of the individuals while performing activities of daily living. Each items is scored by the participants between 0 (not at all concerned) and 10 (very concerned), and the total of the score ranges between 0 (low fall efficacy) and 100 (high fall efficacy)