Article

Lack of balance and falls are common and disabling symptoms of multiple
sclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a novel
visuo-proprioceptive feedback training in ameliorating balance and reducing the
risk of falls. Patients with multiple sclerosis with unrestricted walking ability
and healthy age/sex-matched controls were recruited. After a baseline clinical
evaluation, including a postural assessment in double- (stabilometric test) and
single-leg stance (monopodalic test) by a computerized postural recorder device,
patients were submitted to a run-in period lasting 6 weeks without any
rehabilitative intervention. Two further clinical and postural evaluations before
and after a 6-week period of training were performed. The training protocol
provided static and dynamic exercises both in double- and single-leg stance, with
and without a translating Freeman-like board. Visual feedback was shown on the
computer screen during the exercises. We recruited 40 consecutive patients and 12
controls. Patients had significantly poorer postural performances than controls.
Twenty-eight patients completed the study follow-up. No significant changes in
risk of falls emerged after the run-in period. A significant reduction in the
median percentage of risk of falls in single-leg stance (open eyes: 39.3 versus
15.7; closed eyes: 67.3 versus 52.6; p < 0.001, respectively) were observed after
rehabilitation. Moreover, an improvement in walking speed (median time: 7.4 s
versus 6.3; p = 0.001) was detected in the absence of Expanded Disability Status
Scale changes. We conclude that visuo-proprioceptive training improves balance
and reduces falls in multiple sclerosis.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI