Abstract

Background. Balance dysfunction and high dual-task costs are eminent features in multiple sclerosis (MS). Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) proved to promote functional outcomes; yet, its influence on dynamic balance and dual-task cost of walking (DTCW) in MS needs further research.

Objective. To investigate the effect of adding VRT to aerobic training on dynamic balance and DTCW in people with MS.

Design. Single blinded, parallel randomized controlled trial.

Settings. Out-Patient Clinic at Faculty of Physical Therapy and Kasr Al-Ainy Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Cairo University, Egypt.

Participants. 40 patients with remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Intervention. Patients were randomized to a control (n = 20) and intervention (n = 20) groups. Over four successive weeks, all patients received stationary bicycle aerobic training. Intervention group received an additional VRT program.

Outcomes measures. Berg Balance Scale (BBS), walking speed tested by the 10 meters timed walk test (10 m-TWT), (DTCW), and overall stability index (SI).

Results. Intervention group showed a remarkable improvement in BBS (p = 0.02), SI at levels four (p = 0.002) and seven (p = 0.03), and DTCW (p = 0.03) compared with control group. Walking speed did not show significant changes post-treatment within or between groups comparison (P > 0.05).

Conclusion. Adding VRT to aerobic training has a positive effect on dynamic balance and dual-task cost of walking in MS.

Key words:

Multiple sclerosis, vestibular rehabilitation, dynamic balance, dual task cost of walking