Fear of falling, gait capacity, and dual task performance in multiple sclerosis patients with and without neurogenic overactive bladder.

Background: Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms significantly affect the independence and quality of life in patient with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) by limiting daily activities. This study aimed to explore differences in fear of falling (FoF), gait, dual-task performance, and self-perceived impact of disease among PwMS with and without OAB.

Method: Participants were divided into two groups based on their Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-V8) scores: OAB (score ≥ 8) and non-OAB (score < 8). Assessments included the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) for FoF, the 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT) for gait capacity, the Dual-Task Questionnaire (DTQ) for dual-task performance, and the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29) for self-perceived impact of disease.

Results: The study included 78 PwMS. Significant differences were found between groups in fall history, number of falls, and all outcome measures (OAB-V8, FES-I, DTQ, 2MWT, MSIS-29; p < 0.001). OAB-V8 scores positively correlated with FES-I, DTQ, and MSIS-29 (r = 0.71-0.78, p < 0.001) and negatively with 2MWT (r = -0.38, p < 0.001). Similar patterns were observed between FES-I, DTQ, and MSIS-29, which showed strong positive correlations, while both negatively correlated with 2MWT.

Conclusion: PwMS with OAB exhibit higher FoF, poorer gait, and impaired dual-task performance compared to those without OAB. These findings highlight the significant impact of OAB on functional and disease-related outcomes.