MS Study Alert: How Can We Prevent Falls in People Who Use Wheelchairs? Researchers Recruiting for Two Studies

July 2026

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois Chicago have reported that most people using wheelchairs and scooters experience at least one fall within 12 months, and fall-related injuries are common among them. Most are afraid of falling again. Fall concerns prevent people from engaging in physical and social activities, leading to physical deconditioning, secondary health issues, and decreased quality of life. Tools to measure or reduce fall risk are generally not fully applicable to wheelchair users.Now, this team, led by Laura Rice, PhD, MPT, ATP, is conducting two studies to detect and reduce the risk of falls in people who use wheelchairs.

Study #1 – Complete a Survey about Fall Concerns

This study is testing a questionnaire that measures the fall concerns of people who use wheelchairs and scooters, including those with MS.

Who is eligible to participate?

1. 18 years or older
2. Use a wheelchair or scooter for at least 75% of mobility
3. Have used a wheelchair or scooter for at least the past 6 months
4. Can read and speak English
5. Are physically present in the United States

What does participation involve?

Three online surveys over six months.

• Survey 1 – Approximately 50 minutes
• Survey 2 – 1 week later, approximately 20 minutes
• Survey 3 – 6 months later, approximately 50 minutes

Participants will receive electronic Amazon gift cards after completing each survey, for a total of $40.If you are interested in participating in this study, please email this team at DPQoL-FCS@illinois.edu.

Study #2: Testing a Fall Prevention/Management Program

This study is comparing the effectiveness of two fully-online fall prevention and management programs for people who use wheelchairs and scooters living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).

Who is eligible to participate?

1. 18 years old or older
2. History of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
3. Able to transfer with minimal/moderate assistance
4. Unable to walk outside of your home for 25 feet or more
5. Have experienced at least 1 fall in the past year
6. Have a care partner to assist you when practicing physical skills
7. Have access to a smartphone/iPad
8. Have stable internet connection

What does participation involve?

1. Completing online surveys before, during, and after an education program
2. Orientation session to learn about the program
3. Participation in an online intervention to learn about fall prevention
4. Tracking how often you fall for 14 weeks
5. Some participants will be selected to complete an online interview at the end of the study period

Participants will be compensated for their time with $180 in Amazon gift cards for finishing 3 surveys. If they are chosen to do the final interview, they will earn an extra $20.If you are interested in participating in this study, please email this team at DPQoL-FallPrev@illinois.edu.

source