Alghwiri A.1, Khalili H.2, Al-sharman A.2
1University of Jordan, Physical Therapy, Amman, Jordan, 2Jordan University of Science and Technology, Rehabilitation Sciences, Irbid, Jordan
Background: Balance impairments and depression are common in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, the relationship between depression and balance impairments has not been explored in people with MS.
Purpose: To explore the association between balance impairments and depression in people with MS.
Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. For balance assessment we utilized the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). For Depression assessment we used Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The associations between balance measures and BDI was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r).
Results: Sixty-seven individuals with MS (Female=67%) with a mean age (SD) of 38 (10) were recruited in this study. The mean (SD) score of Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) for the sample was 2.8 (1.4). Based on the BDI, 51% of the participants had mild to severe depression . Significant inverse moderate correlations were found between BDI and ABC (r=-.37, P≤.05) as well as between BDI and BBS (r=-.3, P≤.05).
Conclusion(s): Depression symptoms and balance impairments were found to be frequent in individuals with MS. Additionally, depression was associated with balance impairments in individuals with MS.
Implications: Balance rehabilitation may be hindered by depression. Therefore, regular assessment of depression by rehabilitation specialist is essential. Additionally, addressing both balance impairments along with depression symptoms in intervention programs for people with MS may ensure better outcomes.
Funding acknowledgements: Acknowledge for funding is to the University of Jordan Deanship of Academic Research
Topic: Neurology: multiple sclerosis
Ethics approval: The Ministry of Health Ethics committee approved this work.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
