Multiple Sclerosis
Conditions
Keywords
multiple sclerosis, physical therapy, postural control
Brief summary
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often have affected balance capacity and an increased risk for falls. A risk factor for falls are activities requiring dual attention. Another factor leading to reduced balance capacity is trunk stability, and decreased trunk stability has been seen in people with MS compared to healthy controls. Earlier studies using core stability exercises have shown positive effects on balance, compared to no training. In Sweden, physical therapy for people with MS has often included group training. However, evidence for this intervention is scarce. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate balance training in group. The balance training includes core stability exercises and dual attention activities. A multi-centre study is planned with a waiting-list design. Participants are randomised to either exercise group with early start or with late start. The group balance training includes training 60 minutes 2 times per week for 7 weeks.
Interventions
Balance training i group with focus on core stability exercises and dual attention activities.
Sponsors
Uppsala-Örebro Regional Research Council
Norrbacka-Eugenia Foundation
Örebro County Council
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Diagnosed multiple sclerosis by a neurologist, being able to walk 100 m with or without walking device, being able to get down on the floor with minor assistance
Exclusion criteria
* No balance deficit here defined as being able to stand still heel-toe for 30 seconds with arms crossed. * Ongoing relapse, cognitive- or language difficulties that prohibits performing the outcome measures.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change from Baseline in Bergs balance scale | Change from Baseline in Bergs balance scale at 7 weeks | Functional balance scale in sitting, standing and walking. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change from baseline in Timed chair stands test | Change from baseline in Times Chair stands test at 7 weeks | Functional leg strength, rising 10 times from a chair. |
| Change from baseline in Timed Up and Go test | Change from baseline in Timed Up and Go test at 7 weeks | Functional mobility. |
| Change from baseline in Functional Gait Assessment | Change from baseline in Functional Gait Assessment at 7 weeks | Gait-related activities |
| Change from baseline in Postural sway | Change from baseline in Postural sway at 7 weeks | Using a sway meter postural sway in standing still is assessed. |
| Change from Baseline in Four Square step test | Change from Baseline in Four Square step test at 7 weeks | Dynamic balance |
| Change from baseline in 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking scale | Change from baseline in 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking scale at 7 weeks | self-reported limitations in walking. |
| Change from Baseline in Bergs balance scale | Change from Baseline in Bergs balance scale at 14 weeks | Functional balance in sitting, standing and walking |
| Change from baseline in Times Chair stands test | Change from baseline in Times Chair stands test at 14 weeks | Functional lower extremity strength |
| Change from baseline in postoral sway | Change from baseline in postoral sway at 14 weeks | Using a sway meter postural sway in standing still is assessed. |
| Change from baseline in Activities-specific Balance scale | Change from baseline in Activities-specific Balance scale at 7 weeks | 16 item questionnaire that includes items on balance self-efficacy |
Countries
Sweden
Outcome results
None listed