Effect of Sensorimotor Integration Balance Program in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Single Blinded Randomized Controlled Study,ABEER A.B. ELWISHY
Abstract
The study was designed to examine the hypothesis that sensorimotor integration program would improve balance in multiple sclerosis patients compared to motor training program only. Fifty patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups, control group (G1) and study group (G2). G1 received balance rehabilitation just for motor strategies while G2 received sensorimotor balance rehabilitation program that aimed at improving motor and sensory strategies. The sessions lasted for 50 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks. Balance was assessed clinically for both static and dynamic aspects of standing balance by Berg balance scale (BBS). Assessment of the somatosensory and neuromuscular control aspects of balance was assessed by Biodex stability system. The overall (OSI), anteroposterior (APSI) and mediolateral (MLSI) stability indexes were assessed by the before mentioned device. Assessment was carried out twice, before and after starting the program. No baseline differences for patient characteristics and the measured parameters were found between both groups. Significant differences were recorded for OSI, APSI, MLSI and BBS scores before and after treatment between the two groups. Also, significant difference was found after treatment between both groups. It was concluded that sensorimotor training was effective in improving balance in MS patients.