The Effect of Virtual Reality-based Balance Training in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

To investigate the short term effects of 12 week balance training on postural stability in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). A randomized controlled trial. Rehabilitation education and research hospital. Thirty MS patients (22 female, 8 male) were assigned randomly to training (n=15) or control group (n=15). No participant withdrew. Participants stood over a dual force platform (Biodex Balance System) and performed visually guided weight-shifting movements. The task required subjects to gradually transfer weight between sides during a 12-week training period (2 training sessions per week), and the control group maintained their usual lifestyle. Berg Balance scale (BBS), Postural Stability test, Falling Risk, Timed up and go test (TUG) and Modified Ashworth Scale. All outcomes were measured before and after intervention. After 24 training sessions the mean BBS, Postural stability, Falling risk and TUG improvements were 0.20±0.4, 0.44±0.51, 1.48±1.10 and 0.66±0.72 in the training group and 0.26±0.7, 0.08±0.4, 0.26±1.16 and 0.20±1.08 in the control group (P=0.018, P=0.007, P= 0.004, P=0.21 respectively). This study demonstrated that this type of 12 weeks balance training could improve the outcomes in terms of BBS, fall risk and postural stability in MS population in short term. Long term follow ups before recommending this kind of balance training are needed.