Internet-based home training is capable to improve balance in multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Balance disorders are a significant challenge for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Effective interventions are needed to improve postural control and reduce fall risk in MS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an Internet-based home training program (e-Training) for enhancing balance in patients with multiple sclerosis.
• To compare the outcomes of e-Training with hippotherapy, an established balance improvement method.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 18 multiple sclerosis patients (mean EDSS 3.5).
• Participants were allocated to either e-Training or hippotherapy for 12 weeks, with twice-weekly sessions.
• Primary outcomes included static and dynamic balance; secondary outcomes assessed muscle strength, walking capacity, fatigue, and quality of life.

Main Results:

• Both e-Training and hippotherapy groups demonstrated significant and comparable improvements in static and dynamic balance.
• No significant differences in balance improvements were observed between the two intervention groups.
• Hippotherapy showed significant improvements in fatigue and quality of life, which were not observed in the e-Training group.

Conclusions:

• Internet-based home training (e-Training) is a feasible and effective method for improving balance and postural control in multiple sclerosis patients.
• e-Training offers comparable balance benefits to hippotherapy, providing a viable alternative for home-based rehabilitation.
• While e-Training excels in balance improvement, hippotherapy may offer additional benefits for fatigue and quality of life in MS management.