Fall Prevention Among People With Spinal Cord Injury and Multiple Sclerosis Who Use Wheelchairs and Scooters

Development and Validation of a mHealth Fall Management Program - Phase III

The research team is conducting a study to determine if a fall prevention program designed specifically for people who use wheelchairs and scooters can help people better prevent and manage falls compared to the standard of care.

This study will compare two groups of participants:

1. One group will use the iROLL-O+ app, which offers personalized fall prevention tools and strategies.
2. The other group will receive fall prevention information from a well-known program developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), called STEADI, which stands for Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries.

This study includes adults living with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) or Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who use a wheelchair or scooter every day. The research team aims to determine which approach is more effective in reducing falls and improving confidence in performing daily activities.

People living with SCI or MS who use wheelchairs and scooters (WC/S) full time often experience falls. In fact, 7 out of 10 report falling at least once every 6 to 12 months. These falls can lead to serious injuries and emotional distress, such as concerns about falling (CaF). Although falls are common among this population, most fall prevention programs are designed for people who can walk. There are very few programs designed for people who use WC/S.

This study will test to see if a fall prevention and management program designed specifically for people who use WC/S does a better job at helping people learn how to prevent and manage falls compared to a program that is designed for older adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years old or older.
• History of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).
• Able to transfer independently or with minimal to moderate assistance.
• Unable to walk 25 feet or more
• Have experienced at least 1 fall in the past three years.
• Have a care partner to assist the participant when practicing physical skills.
• Have access to a smartphone/iPad.
• Have a stable internet connection.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Multiple sclerosis exacerbation in the past 30 days, or are unable to remain in an upright position for an hour.
• Impaired cognition (a score of 10 or above on the Short Blessed Test).