Wednesday 11 January 2012
Study to look into falls in people with inclusion body myositis
Researchers in London have embarked on a study to better understand falls in people with inclusion body myositis (IBM) and if physiotherapy could help prevent them. They are calling for people with inclusion body myositis to help with the research by filling out a survey.
Falls can have a huge impact on people's lives - increasing the risk of injury and reducing mobility and confidence. People with inclusion body myositis experience a slow progression of muscle weakness and wasting in the arms and legs which can make them susceptible to falls, but until now there has not been a study on the frequency and circumstances of such falls.
Physiotherapy interventions have proven to reduce the risk and severity of falls in the elderly. The investigators in this study want to understand if physiotherapy could be helpful in preventing falls in people with inclusion body myositis as well. This kind of evidence could help improve people's access to physiotherapy services.
The study involves filling out a paper-based questionnaire with 16 items regarding the frequency of falls or near misses and the circumstances of the falls.
If anyone with inclusion body myositis would like to take part in the survey or find out more they can contact:
- Andy Hiscock by email: a.hiscock@ucl.ac.uk
- Liz Dewar by email: liz.dewar@uclh.nhs.uk
- Alternatively you can phone the MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases on 020 344 88038 (ask to speak to Liz Dewar).
Read more details about this study.
More information about inclusion body myositis.
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