Effects of balance exercises on people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of balance retraining in a sample of people with multiple sclerosis.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Rehabilitation unit.

SUBJECTS

A consecutive sample of 44 subjects was randomized into two experimental groups and one control group. The inclusion criteria were: ability to stand independently more than 30 seconds, ability to walk for 6 m.

INTERVENTIONS

Group 1 received balance rehabilitation to improve motor and sensory strategies. Group 2 received balance rehabilitation to improve motor strategy. Group 3 received treatments not specifically aimed at improving balance.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index and fall frequency were used to assess balance impairments. Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Activities-specific Balance Confidence were used to assess handicap and the level of balance confidence.

RESULTS

Frequency of falls post treatment was statistically different among groups (P=0.0001); The Berg Balance Scale showed an overall statistically significant difference (P=0.0008) among groups. Change pre-post scores were 6.7, 4.6 and 0.8 points for groups 1, 2 and 3. Dynamic Gait Index showed an overall near statistically significant difference among groups (P=0.14), with change pre-post scores of 3.85, 1.6 and 1.75 points for groups 1, 2 and 3; after the exclusion of drop-outs a statistically significant difference was observed (P=0.04). The self-administered tests (Activities-specific Balance Confidence and Dizziness Handicap Inventory) did not show clinically relevant improvements.

CONCLUSIONS

Balance rehabilitation appeared to be a useful tool in reducing the fall rate and improving balance skills in subjects with multiple sclerosis. Exercises in different sensory contexts may have an impact in improving dynamic balance.