Improving Gait and Balance in Multiple Sclerosis Using Partial Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training

摘要

Background: The majority of patients with MS develop progressive gait impairment, which can start early in the disease and worsen over a lifetime. Providing a dynamic and task-specific approach such as partial body weight support training integrates essential components of gait and facilitates symmetrical gait patters. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the changes in gait and balance displayed by MS patients after a whole task training of ambulation with body weight suspension on a treadmill. Methods: Twenty four patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis who have cerebellopyramidal involvement participated in this study. Patients were assigned randomly into two equal groups (GI and GII). Subjects received rhythmical gait training. GI was treated over the treadmill only, while GII was treated by 40% body weight suspension (BWS). Patients were assessed clinically by Timed-get-up-and-go-test, Overall stability index and kinematically through motion analysis system by measuring stride length and cadence, before and after the last treatment session. Results: Patients who received partial body weight support training showed a statistically significant improvement in the different ambulation and kinematic parameter (P0.05). Conclusion: Partial body weight support training can be suggested as an effective way in rehabilitating gait and balance in MS patients. [Egypt J Neurol Psychiat Neurosurg.  2013; 50(3): 271-276]