Direction-specific impairments of limits of stability in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES

Impaired postural control in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with falls. The objective was to evaluate the direction-specific limits of stability in people with MS.

METHODS

Balance control of 18 individuals with relapsing-remitting MS and 18 healthy controls was assessed using instrumented (Limits of Stability (LOS) test) and clinical (Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale) tests.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in reaction time, movement velocity, endpoint excursion, maximum excursion, and directional control measures of the LOS test between individuals with MS and healthy controls. The BBS and ABC clinical balance measures were significantly lower in individuals with MS compared to control subjects. The directional control impairment was seen in the right side and backward diagonals (backward-right and backward-left) directions. A significant difference between the fallers and non-fallers was found on all the components of the LOS test. There was a significant correlation between the BBS and ABC scores and different components of the LOS test.

CONCLUSIONS

Direction-specific impairment of limits of stability components was observed in individuals with MS. This information could be used in balance rehabilitation of people with MS.