Effects of Balance Exercise Interventions on Balance-Related Performance in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

• Published in: Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair 2024-10, Vol.38 (10), p.775-790
• Main Authors: Wallin, Andreas, Johansson, Sverker, Brincks, John, Dalgas, Ulrik, Franzén, Erika, Callesen, Jacob
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exercise Therapy - methods; Humans; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Multiple Sclerosis - physiopathology; Multiple Sclerosis - rehabilitation; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Postural Balance - physiology; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Review
• ISSN: 1545-9683; 1552-6844; 1552-6844
• DOI: 10.1177/15459683241273402

Background Balance training covers a range of different modalities and complexity levels for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). When evaluating the effects of balance training across different kinds of interventions, determination of the specific intervention content that predict effects are needed. Objective To investigate the effects of balance training on gait and dynamic balance outcomes. Methods Four databases were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials involving people with MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score ≤7.5) where at least 50% of the intervention targeted balance control were included. Interventions were categorized based on training types. Risk-of-bias was assessed using the Tool for the Assessment of Study Quality and Reporting in Exercise (TESTEX). Results A total of 18 included studies involved 902 people with MS (EDSS range from 0 to 7.5). Interventions evaluated with a balance composite score or a mobility test showed a moderate effect size (ES = 0.46 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.18 to 0.74]; p