Long-term effect of CoDuSe program on balance, fall risk, and gait in patients with multiple sclerosis

Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) frequently suffer from balance and gait difficulties.

This study aims to investigate the long-term effects of a combined Core Stability, Dual-task, and Sensory Exercise (CoDuSe) program and standard exercise routine on balance, fall risk, and gait performance in patients with MS, compared to a standard exercise program alone.

Thirty-nine patients with MS were randomized into a study group (n = 19) that received CoDuSe balance training in addition to a specified exercise program and a control group (n = 20) that received only the specified exercise program. Both groups of patients trained for 8 weeks at 60 min per session, 2 days a week. All patients were evaluated at pretreatment, week 9, week 16, and week 24 following the rehabilitation regimen. The Berg Balance Scale Test (BBST), the Biodex Balance System (BBS; specifically, the Overall Stability Index [OSI]), the timed 25-foot walk test (T25FW), and the 12-item MS walking scale (MSWS-12) were used to assess static and dynamic balance, the fall risk index test, gait speed, and walking ability, respectively.

The study group showed significant improvements compared to the control group in all outcome measures (p < .001). BBST scores improved the most in week 16 (ES = 0.66), while OSI and MSWS-12 improved significantly by week 9 (ES = 0.76, 0.34, respectively). T25FW demonstrated notable enhancements in weeks 9 and 16 (ES = 0.33). These findings highlight the sustained benefits of CoDuSe on balance, fall risk, and gait in patients with MS.

The CODuSe program, when combined with a standard exercise routine, has a long-lasting effect on balance, fall risk (up to 24 weeks), and gait ability (up to 16 weeks) in patients with MS.

Iranian Trial Registration (IRCT20210909052421N4).