Randomized Clinical Trial of Balance-Based Torso Weighting for Improving Upright Mobility in People with Multiple Sclerosis
- 26 May 2009
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair
- Vol. 23 (8), 784-791
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968309336146
Abstract
Background. Torso weighting has sometimes been effective for improving upright mobility in people with multiple sclerosis, but parameters for weighting have been inconsistent. Objective. To determine whether balance-based torso weighting (BBTW) has immediate effects on upright mobility in people with multiple sclerosis. Methods. This was a 2-phase randomized clinical trial. In phase 1, 36 participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. In phase 2, the control group was subsequently randomized into 2 groups with alternate weight-placement. Tests of upright mobility included: timed up and go (TUG), sharpened Romberg, 360-degree turns, 25-foot walk, and computerized platform posturography. Participants were tested at baseline and again with weights placed according to group membership. In both phases, a physical therapist assessed balance for the BBTW group and then placed weights to decrease balance loss. In phase 1, the control group had no weights placed. In phase 2, the alternate treatment group received standard weight placement of 1.5% body weight. Results. People with BBTW showed a significant improvement in the 25-foot walk ( P = .01) over those with no weight, and the TUG ( P = .01) over those with standard weight placement. BBTW participants received an average of 0.5 kg, less than 1.5% of any participant’s body weight. Conclusion. BBTW can have immediate advantages over a nonweighted condition for gait velocity and over a standardized weighted condition for a functional activity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are ambulatory but have balance and mobility abnormalities.Keywords
This publication has 22 references indexed in Scilit:
- Balance-Based Torso-Weighting May Enhance Balance in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: Preliminary EvidenceArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2009
- Balance-Based Torso-Weighting in a Patient with Ataxia and Multiple Sclerosis: A Case ReportJournal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 2008
- Injurious Falls Among Middle Aged and Older Adults With Multiple SclerosisArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2008
- Risk Factors for Falling Among People Aged 45 to 90 Years With Multiple SclerosisArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2006
- Balance and gait improved in patients with MS after physiotherapy based on the Bobath conceptPhysiotherapy Research International, 2006
- Resistance Training Improves Gait Kinematics in Persons With Multiple SclerosisArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2005
- Controlled randomised crossover trial of the effects of physiotherapy on mobility in chronic multiple sclerosisJournal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 2001
- A comparison of two physiotherapy treatment approaches to improve walking in multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized controlled studyClinical Rehabilitation, 1998
- Long-term and Short-term Outcome of Multiple SclerosisArchives of Neurology, 1996
- AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE VALUE OF TREATING INTENTION TREMOR BY WEIGHTING THE AFFECTED LIMBBrain, 1972