A custom-built step exergame training programme to prevent falls in people with multiple sclerosis: A multicentre...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting balance and mobility.
• Cognitive-motor step training shows promise for improving MS symptoms, but fall prevention efficacy is unproven.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of home-based step exergame training in reducing falls in people with MS.
• To assess the impact of exergame training on fall risk factors and functional outcomes over 6 and 12 months.

Main Methods:

• A multisite randomized controlled trial involving 461 individuals with MS.
• Participants were assigned to either usual care or 6 months of unsupervised home-based step exergame training (120 minutes/week).
• Primary outcome: fall rate over 6 months; Secondary outcomes: physical, cognitive, and psychosocial function, and 12-month fall rates.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in fall rates between the exergame intervention group and the control group (IRR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.69-1.34, p=0.816).
• Participants in the intervention group showed significant improvement in choice-stepping reaction time at 6 months.
• No serious adverse events related to the training were reported.

Conclusions:

• Home-based step exergame training did not reduce falls in people with MS.
• The intervention significantly improved choice-stepping reaction time, a key factor for safe ambulation.