February 11, 2019

Risk of falls and gait: effectiveness of a physiotherapy circuit training on the walk function, quality of life and risk of falls in a multiple sclerosis patients

Author(s): A. Granja Domnguez, A. Hochsprung
ECTRIMS Online Library. Granja Domnguez A.Oct 12, 2018; 229127

Abstract: P1287

Introduction: The risk for injury with each fall is similar for people with or without MS, but the risk of fall-related injury is twice as high in people with MS than in people without MS. Evaluation of walking capacity, dynamic balance, and the risk of falls, therefore, are commonly performed in rehabilitation settings and provide information in justifying the need for individual treatments and planning treatments.There are several studies showing beneficial qualities of physical therapy on walking function, mobility and quality of live. Nonetheless, the circuit training approach hasnt been studied enough in people with MS and gait and quality of life.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a physiotherapy circuit training on gait parameters, quality of life in people with MS.

Methods: An experimental trial with a sample of 60 subject. 41 females and 19 males with relapsing-remitting (n=43), secondary progressive (n=6) and primary progressive (n=11) MS with EDSS of 1.5 to 5.5. They were randomly assigned to 2 groups: experimental group (n=30) received 12 physiotherapy circuit training sessions over 3 months (2 hours/each session), whereas control group were in wait list. The sessions included four different workstations: Balance trainer, whole-body vibration platform, Biofeedback cycling and treadmill with body weight support. Outcome for the gait, registered by Gaitrite Walkway System were : velocity, cadence, step length differential, ambulatory time and Functional Ambulatory Profile (FAP). Quality of life was assessed by: MusiQol, a specific self-reported questionnaire of health related quality of life. Risk of falls was assessed by FES-I, a self-reported questionnarire. Date registered before and after the intervention.

Results: Significant difference in the experimental group in FAP (p< 0,03), ambulation time (p< 0. 32) and step length differential (p< 0.034) after the intervention. No changes in gait pattern were reported in the control group. The quality of life improved but it was not significant (p< 0.092). The risk of falls was lower (p< 0,05) in the experimental group. No changes in risk of falls in the control group.

Conclusion: The physiotherapy circuit training seems to be effective to improve gait patterns in MS patients, moreover it might have a positive influence in the quality of life and it could decrease the risk of falls.

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