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Presented at ECTRIMS 2011. Does PT help with balance? Absolutely, and I speak from experience. - Dave
Balance treatments in multiple sclerosis subjects: effects of physical therapy interventions with and without biofeedback/forceplate training
G. Brichetto, D. Costa, M.A. Battaglia, M.L. Lopes de Carvalho (Genoa, IT)
Objectives: Balance disorders are frequently observed in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS) leading to impaired balance and increased risk of falls. Visual biofeedback/forceplate systems are often used for treatment of balance disorders. Aim of the study: in this study we investigate the addition of visual and biofeedback/forceplate training in enhancing the effects of other physical therapy intervention on balance in Multiple Sclerosis subjects.
Materials and methods: The study included 20 subjects with Multiple Sclerosis, according to McDonald Criteria, followed as outpatients at AISM Rehabilitation Centre. Subjects were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group when the study began. All subjects were evaluated with EDSS, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Berg Balance scale, Equitest (NeuroCom) – Sensory Organization Test and Motor Control Test - and Balance Master (NeuroCom). Subjects were assigned randomly to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group trained on the NeroCom Balance Master for 45 minutes every session, twice a week for 5 weeks. The control group received traditional physical therapy for 45 minutes every session, twice a week for 5 weeks. Multivariate statistical analysis was used in order to assess the effects of TREATMENT and TIME and the interaction TIME*TREATMENT.
Results: Following intervention, both groups scored higher on Berg Balance Scale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and on Sensory Organization Test (Equitest NeuroCom) with a p < 0,05. Furthermore multivariate analysis showed a greater improvement in the experimental group for Berg Balance Scale and for Sensory Organization Test.
Conclusions: Our results indicate that physical therapy is helpful for improving balance in Multiple Sclerosis subjects with an additional effect of biofeedback/forceplate training. Biofeedback/forceplate training should be a part of multimodal approach to balance disorders treatments in Multiple Sclerosis subjects.
Balance treatments in multiple sclerosis subjects: effects of physical therapy interventions with and without biofeedback/forceplate training
G. Brichetto, D. Costa, M.A. Battaglia, M.L. Lopes de Carvalho (Genoa, IT)
Objectives: Balance disorders are frequently observed in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS) leading to impaired balance and increased risk of falls. Visual biofeedback/forceplate systems are often used for treatment of balance disorders. Aim of the study: in this study we investigate the addition of visual and biofeedback/forceplate training in enhancing the effects of other physical therapy intervention on balance in Multiple Sclerosis subjects.
Materials and methods: The study included 20 subjects with Multiple Sclerosis, according to McDonald Criteria, followed as outpatients at AISM Rehabilitation Centre. Subjects were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group when the study began. All subjects were evaluated with EDSS, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Berg Balance scale, Equitest (NeuroCom) – Sensory Organization Test and Motor Control Test - and Balance Master (NeuroCom). Subjects were assigned randomly to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group trained on the NeroCom Balance Master for 45 minutes every session, twice a week for 5 weeks. The control group received traditional physical therapy for 45 minutes every session, twice a week for 5 weeks. Multivariate statistical analysis was used in order to assess the effects of TREATMENT and TIME and the interaction TIME*TREATMENT.
Results: Following intervention, both groups scored higher on Berg Balance Scale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and on Sensory Organization Test (Equitest NeuroCom) with a p < 0,05. Furthermore multivariate analysis showed a greater improvement in the experimental group for Berg Balance Scale and for Sensory Organization Test.
Conclusions: Our results indicate that physical therapy is helpful for improving balance in Multiple Sclerosis subjects with an additional effect of biofeedback/forceplate training. Biofeedback/forceplate training should be a part of multimodal approach to balance disorders treatments in Multiple Sclerosis subjects.