Monitoring Intensity During Balance Training in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis - a Randomized Feasibility Study

Monitoring Intensity During Balance Training in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis - a Randomized Feasibility Study

Balance training is recommended to improve gait stability and mobility. However, there are currently no clearly defined methods for controlling the intensity (challenge) of balance training. This research project aims to determine whether balance training for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), individually tailored to the level of difficulty and exertion, is feasible and possible within an inpatient rehabilitation setting. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either they will complete group training focusing on strength, endurance, and balance in addition to their regular therapy program, or they will receive individually tailored balance training. Both groups will undergo an initial assessment followed by seven training sessions, each lasting approximately 45-60 minutes. Before discharge, the initial assessments will be repeated. These assessments include completing questionnaires, performing gait tests, balance tests, and a short cognitive test. Interviews will also be conducted with patients and therapists. These are intended to help better assess the feasibility of the training and to gain more insight into the experiences with the training.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a definite MS diagnosis according to 2024 revised McDonald criteria;
• Hold an Expanded disability status (EDSS) between 2.0-6.5;
• An inpatient stay of at least three weeks at the ;
• Aged 18 years and older;
• Have sufficient knowledge of the German language (spoken and written).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive impairment indicated by a score of <21 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA);
• Severe osteoporosis;
• Fractures and/or other surgical interventions;
• Presence of any other condition that would substantially influence balance;
• Alcoholism;
• Participation in another study;
• Pregnancy.