Exercise Balance Program for Fall Prevention in Multiple Sclerosis

Effects of an Otago-Based Exercise and Game-Inspired Balance Training Program on Balance, Mobility, and Fall-Related Outcomes in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Falls and balance impairments are common in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and may negatively affect mobility, independence, confidence in daily activities, and quality of life, while increasing the risk of injury. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a 6-week combined Otago-based and game-inspired balance-training program on static balance, functional mobility, fear of falling, and perceived walking ability in individuals with MS. Thirty participants with MS were randomly allocated to either an intervention group or an active control group. Both groups received fall-prevention counselling and performed home-based Otago-related exercises three times per week. The intervention group additionally received one supervised balance-training session per week using colored-circle and Twister-inspired task-oriented exercises. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention period using the FICSIT-4 for static balance, the Timed Up and Go test for functional mobility, the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) for fear of falling, and the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) for perceived walking limitations.

Falls are a common and clinically significant problem in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), primarily associated with impairments in balance, mobility, muscle strength, sensory function, and neuromuscular coordination. Exercise-based interventions focusing on balance, strengthening, functional mobility, and fall-prevention education constitute a core component of physiotherapeutic fall-prevention strategies; however, the optimal structure, intensity, and clinical implementation of such programs for individuals with MS remain under investigation.

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a 6-week combined Otago-based and game-inspired balance-training program on static balance, functional mobility, fear of falling, and perceived walking ability in individuals with MS. A total of 30 adults with a confirmed diagnosis of MS were randomly allocated to either an intervention group or an active control group using a parallel-group design.

Both groups received fall-prevention counselling and performed home-based Otago-related exercises three times per week. The active control group followed the home-based Otago-related exercise program supported by instructional video material, without supervised sessions or additional task-oriented balance-training activities. The intervention group, in addition to performing the same home-based Otago-related exercises, participated in one supervised physiotherapy session per week. During these supervised sessions, participants performed progressively challenging colored-circle and Twister-inspired task-oriented balance exercises designed to challenge static and dynamic postural control, enhance neuromuscular coordination, promote visuomotor integration, improve reaction speed, and support adaptability to changing motor demands.

Outcome assessments were conducted at baseline and immediately after completion of the 6-week intervention period. Static balance was assessed using the FICSIT-4, functional mobility was evaluated with the Timed Up and Go test, fear of falling was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and perceived walking ability was assessed using the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12).

This study was designed to contribute to a better understanding of exercise-based fall-prevention strategies for individuals with MS and to inform the development of targeted rehabilitation programs aimed at improving balance and mobility in this population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis according to the 2010 McDonald criteria.
• Age between 18 and 65 years.
• Ability to ambulate independently with or without an assistive device.
• Ability to understand and follow exercise instructions.
• Written informed consent prior to participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of other neurological, musculoskeletal, or medical conditions that could significantly affect balance or mobility.
• Acute relapse of multiple sclerosis at the time of enrollment.
• Participation in another structured balance or fall-prevention program during the study period.