“Investigating Predictive Associations Among Postural Balance, Functional Mobility, Cognitive Function and Psychological Well‐Being in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross‐Sectional Study”

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSES: Balance deficits, gait abnormalities, impaired cognitive function, psychological disturbances and disconnection from community are key characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS). Thus, exploring the interrelationships and the primary risk factors related to clinical manifestations and consequences of MS is of definite clinical significance. This study aimed to examine the associations among balance, functional mobility, cognitive function, psychological well-being, and community participation in patients with MS, and to identify key predictors of balance and mobility performance. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 64 patients with MS. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), psychological well-being using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and community participation using the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ). RESULTS: Pearson correlation analyses revealed significant negative correlations between scores of BBS and TUG (r = -0.342, p < 0.05), scores of TUG and CIQ (r = -0.345, p < 0.05) and scores of MoCA and HADS (r = -0.476, p < 0.01). Meanwhile, significant positive correlations were observed between scores of BBS and CIQ (r = 0.510, p < 0.01) and scores of CIQ and MoCA (r = 0.227, p < 0.05). Additionally, multiple regression analysis model confirmed that BBS score function as a significant independent predictor of functional mobility (β1 = -0.580, p < 0.01) and community integration levels (β1 = 0.354, p < 0.05) in patients with MS. CONCLUSIONS: Balance and cognitive function are closely associated with functional mobility and community participation in patients with MS, highlighting the importance of addressing both motor and non-motor factors in clinical assessment and rehabilitation. The findings emphasize the necessity for wide-ranging assessment and individualized intervention protocols that address motor, psychological, and social risk factors to effectively improve balance and reduce fall risk in patients with MS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in ClinicalTrial.gov and given the number NCT06998147.