There is preliminary evidence of reduced physical function among older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), based on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), a valid, objective measure of lower extremity functional performance, according to a recent study. The sample (n=40) included 20 older adults with MS and 20 older adults without MS who were matched on sex and age. All participants completed the SPPB. Researchers found:

• Statistically significant differences were observed between groups for the overall SPPB score (d = 0.45) and the balance (d = 0.46) and gait speed (d = 0.30) component scores.
• The difference between groups in the lower extremity strength component approached significance (d = 0.34).
• Of note, only 2 older adults without MS had SPPB scores below 10 (ie, 10%), whereas 8 older adults with MS had SPPB scores below 10 (ie, 40%); this represented a statistically significant difference in future risk for disability.