Sensory integration balance training in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized, controlled trial
Marialuisa Gandolfi1, Daniele Munari1, Christian Geroin1
1Neuromotor and Cognitive Rehabilitation Research Centre (CRRNC), Italy/ Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|January 14, 2015
Summary
Sensory integration balance training significantly improved balance, reduced falls, and lessened fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients compared to conventional therapy. This approach may enhance central sensory processing for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Impaired sensory integration is a key factor in balance disorders experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Balance deficits significantly impact the quality of life and fall frequency in MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of sensory integration balance training versus conventional rehabilitation for MS-related balance disorders.
- To evaluate the impact of training on balance confidence, quality of life, fatigue, falls, and sensory processing in MS.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 80 outpatients with MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]: 1.5-6.0) experiencing balance issues.
- Participants were assigned to either sensory integration training (n=39) or conventional rehabilitation (n=41) for 15 sessions.
- Assessments included Berg Balance Scale (BBS), ABC, MSQOL-54, FSS, fall frequency, and Sensory Organization Test (SOT) pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 1-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- The sensory integration group showed significantly greater improvements in BBS scores (p < 0.001) and SOT results (p < 0.05) compared to the control group.
- Significant reductions in fatigue severity (FSS, p < 0.002) and fall frequency (p = 0.002) were observed in the experimental group.
Conclusions:
- Targeted training to enhance central integration of sensory inputs can effectively ameliorate balance disorders in MS patients.
- Sensory integration balance training offers a promising therapeutic strategy for improving functional outcomes and reducing fall risk in multiple sclerosis.
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