An investigation on the effects of Neuromuscular exercise on Balance, gait and the depression of paitent with MS

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is the most common progressive neurologic disorder among young adults. This disease leads to lesions regarded to as demylinating plaques which are scattered in the white matter of CNS hence create various neurological problems. Materials and Methods: This was a single-blinded prospective quasi-experimental study with the aim of evaluating the effects of neuromuscular exercise on balance, gait and depression level of patients with MS. It was carried out in Isfahan during the year 2008. 24 patients with M.S (mean age: 33.33yr; mean height: 169.66 cm; mean weight: 66.87 kg, mean duration of disease: 6.64 years) underwent 10 sessions of neuromuscular exercise on an every-two-day basis. Data was obtained before initiating treatment program, after termination of the treatment and at 2 months follow up. Berg Balance scale, Dynamic Gait Index and Beck Depression Questionnaire were respectively used for evaluating balance, gait, and depression. To compare patients' condition at these stages, obtained data were analyzed through Paired t-test using SPSS software. Results: Pre- and Post treatment evaluation of balance, gait and depression showed significant differences (p=0.00). Also, there was a meaningful difference between pre-treatment and follow up ratings with regard to balance (p=0.00) and gait (p=0.03). Moreover, comparison of balance (p=0.00) and gait measurements (P=0.01) at pre-treatment and at two months follow up revealed a significant difference. But there was no meaningful difference in depression status either comparing post-treatment and two-month follow up ratings (p=0.14) or pre-treatment and two-month follow up evaluations (p=0.06). Conclusion: The study results show that continuous neuromuscular exercise may result in improved balance and Gait and in reduced depression in patients with MS. With regard to the course of disorder, initial condition may return if the exercises are discontiued. Key words: Multiple sclerosis, Balance, Gait, depression, Neuromuscular exercis