gms | German Medical Science

Background: Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can present with different combinations of functional deficits, such as loss of balance, poor coordination, weakness, spasticity, gait disabilities and fall risk [1].

Aim: The objective of this study to determine the effects of balance training and conventional rehabilitation program on balance, gait and quality of life in patients with MS.

Method: Thirty MS patients aged 30–50 years were included combined rehabilitation program consisting of 30 minute conventionel rehabilitation program and 30 minute postural balance training with Biodex Balance System for six weeks (5 times/week). Five times sit to stand test (5xSST), Get up and go test (GUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Tinetti Balance And Gait Assessment, Activity specific balance confidence scale (ABC), Multiple Skleroz walking scale-12 (MSYS-12), Multiple Skleroz impact scale-29 (MSIS-29), Expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and BBS (Medial-Lateral Stability Index: MLSI, Anterior-Posterior Stability Index: APSI, Overall Stability Index: GSI ve Fall Risk Index: DRI) were assessed at the enrollment (t0), immediately postintervention (t1) and at the 1-month follow-up (t2).

Results/findings: There was a statistically significant improvement in 5xSST, GUG, BBS, Tinetti Balance And Gait Assessment, ABC, MSYS-12, MSIS-29 scores and BBS data (MLSI, APSI, GSI, DRI) at t1 compared to baseline. Benefits persisted at the t2 for Tinetti Balance And Gait Assessment, MSYS-12, BBS parameters MLSI and GSI.

Discussion and conclusions: The combination of conventional rehabilitation and postural balance training with Biodex Balance System could improve the balance, gait functions, activities of daily living, and participation to social life of MS patients.