Group Balance Training for People With Multiple Sclerosis

Örebro County Council87 enrolled

Overview

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often have affected balance capacity and an increased risk for falls. A risk factor for falls are activities requiring dual attention. Another factor leading to reduced balance capacity is trunk stability, and decreased trunk stability has been seen in people with MS compared to healthy controls. Earlier studies using core stability exercises have shown positive effects on balance, compared to no training. In Sweden, physical therapy for people with MS has often included group training. However, evidence for this intervention is scarce. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate balance training in group. The balance training includes core stability exercises and dual attention activities. A multi-centre study is planned with a waiting-list design. Participants are randomised to either exercise group with early start or with late start. The group balance training includes training 60 minutes 2 times per week for 7 weeks.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed multiple sclerosis by a neurologist, being able to walk 100 m with or without walking device, being able to get down on the floor with minor assistance Exclusion Criteria: * No balance deficit here defined as being able to stand still heel-toe for 30 seconds with arms crossed. * Ongoing relapse, cognitive- or language difficulties that prohibits performing the outcome measures.

Locations (7)

Mälarsjukhuset

Eskilstuna, Sweden

Karlstad hospital

Karlstad, Sweden

Rörelse och hälsa neuro

Linköping, Sweden

Primärvård Mjölby

Mjölby, Sweden

Nyköpings hospital

Nyköping, Sweden

University Hospital Örebro

Örebro, Sweden

Västerås hospital

Västerås, Sweden

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change from Baseline in Bergs balance scale

Functional balance scale in sitting, standing and walking.

Time frame: Change from Baseline in Bergs balance scale at 7 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Change from Baseline in Four Square step test

Dynamic balance

Time frame: Change from Baseline in Four Square step test at 7 weeks

Change from baseline in Timed chair stands test

Functional leg strength, rising 10 times from a chair.

Time frame: Change from baseline in Times Chair stands test at 7 weeks

Change from baseline in Timed Up and Go test

Functional mobility.

Time frame: Change from baseline in Timed Up and Go test at 7 weeks

Change from baseline in Functional Gait Assessment

Gait-related activities

Time frame: Change from baseline in Functional Gait Assessment at 7 weeks

Change from baseline in Postural sway

Using a sway meter postural sway in standing still is assessed.

Time frame: Change from baseline in Postural sway at 7 weeks

Change from baseline in Activities-specific Balance scale

16 item questionnaire that includes items on balance self-efficacy

Time frame: Change from baseline in Activities-specific Balance scale at 7 weeks

Change from baseline in 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking scale

self-reported limitations in walking.

Time frame: Change from baseline in 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking scale at 7 weeks

Change from Baseline in Bergs balance scale

Functional balance in sitting, standing and walking

Time frame: Change from Baseline in Bergs balance scale at 14 weeks

Change from Baseline in Four Square step test

Dynamic balance

Time frame: Change from baseline in Four Square step test at 14 weeks

Change from baseline in Times Chair stands test

Functional lower extremity strength

Time frame: Change from baseline in Times Chair stands test at 14 weeks

Change from baseline in Timed Up and Go test

Functional mobility

Time frame: Change from baseline in Timed Up and Go test at 14 weeks

Change from baseline in Functional Gait Assessment

Gait-related activities

Time frame: Change from baseline in Functional Gait Assessment at 14 weeks

Change from baseline in postoral sway

Using a sway meter postural sway in standing still is assessed.

Time frame: Change from baseline in postoral sway at 14 weeks

Change from baseline in Activities-specific Balance scale

Balance self-efficacy

Time frame: Change from baseline in Activities-specific Balance scale at 14 weeks

Change from baseline in 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking scale

self-reported limitations in walking

Time frame: Change from baseline in 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking scale at 14 weeks