Effect of physiotherapy on balance and gait in people with multiple sclerosis: analysis of clinical trials

The problem of the research: The majority of persons are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 years, and women are more often affected than men (National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2005). Lack of balance and falls are common and disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis (Prosperini et al., 2010). Hypothesis. Physical therapy should improve balance and gait, and reduce fall risk in patients with multiple sclerosis. Object of the study: effect of physiotherapy on balance and gait in people with multiple sclerosis. Aim of the study – analysing clinical trials to determine the impact of physical therapy on balance and gait in people with multiple sclerosis. Tasks of the study: 1. Analysing clinical trials to determine the impact of physical therapy on balance in people with multiple sclerosis. 2. Analysing clinical trials to determine the impact of physical therapy on gait in people with multiple sclerosis. 3. Based on the analysed literature sources to create an exercise program to improve balance and coordination. Methods: Analysed articles had to meet these criteria: subjects with multiple sclerosis; intervention – physical therapy; two groups of patient: intervention and control; measurements according Berg balance scale and the Timed „Up & Go” test; articles only in English. Articles that were reviews and didn’t include clinical trials were not analysed. Conclusions: 1. The clinical trials showed that aerobic exercise, strength training and balance exercises improved balance in people with multiple sclerosis. 2. The clinical trials showed that physical therapy insignificantly improved gait. 3. Based on the analysed literature sources, exercise program was developed to improve balance and coordination for people with multiple sclerosis