Stabilometric Assessment of Balance Recovery in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Stabilometric Assessment of Context Dependent Balance Recovery in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: a Randomized Controlled Study

Background: Balance control relies on accurate perception of visual, somatosensory and vestibular cues. Sensory flow is impaired in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and little is known about the ability of the sensory systems to adapt after neurological lesions reducing sensory impairment. The aims of the present study were to verify whether:

1. Balance rehabilitation administered in a challenging sensory conditions would improve stability in upright posture
2. the improvement in a treated sensory condition would transfer to a non treated sensory condition.

Methods: Fifty three persons with Multiple Sclerosis, median (min-max) Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 5 (2.5-6.5), participated in a Randomized Controlled Trial and were randomly assigned to two groups. The Experimental group received balance rehabilitation aimed at improving motor and sensory strategies. The Control group received rehabilitation treatment which did not include training of sensory strategies. Persons with Multiple Sclerosis were blindly assessed by means of a stabilometric platform with eyes open, eyes closed and dome, on both firm surface and foam. Anterior-posterior and medio-lateral sway, velocity of sway and the length of Center of Pressure (CoP) trajectory were calculated in the six sensory conditions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinically or laboratory definite relapsing-remitting, primary or secondary progressive MS

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to stand independently in upright position for 30 seconds
• Inability to walk for 6 m even with an assistive device