Group-based individualized core stability and balance training in ambulant people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot feasibility test–retest study

Abstract

Group-based physiotherapy is underexplored in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and interventions integrating underlying aspects of balance are required. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a new group-based individualized core stability intervention (GroupCoreSIT) and the short-term effects on balance and walking in people with MS. A test–retest design was chosen and 12 ambulant people with MS included. GroupCoreSIT was performed three times a week for 5 weeks. Outcomes were measured using the Trunk Impairment Scale – Norwegian Version (TIS-NV), Timed 25 Foot Walking (T25FW), Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), MS Walking Scale 12 (MSWS-12), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 – Norwegian Version (MSIS 29-NV), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGICwalking, PGICgeneral health) and Visual Analogue Scale balance and walking (VASbalance/VASwalking). Significant improvement was demonstrated in sitting balance, TIS-NV (p = 0.003*), and walking tests T25FW (usual speed, p = 0.008, fastest speed, p = 0.005*), 2MWT (p = 0.026*) and 6MWT (p = 0.006*). Self-reported outcomes showed significant improvements: MSWS-12 (p = 0.003*), MSIS 29-NV (p = 0.005*) and VASbalance (p = 0.017*), but VASwalking did not show significant improvement (p = 0.088) (*significant p values after Bonferroni correction). This study provides preliminary evidence for the feasibility and effectiveness of GroupCoreSIT. An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial is required to confirm these findings.