Date of Award

1999

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Beverly Johnson

Keywords

Multiple Sclerosis -- rehabilitation

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and is becoming an increasing concern for individuals between the ages of 15 to 50. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often progressive disease that may result in difficulties with vision, verbal communication, sensation, bowel and bladder function, balance, and ambulation.

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant changes occurred in static steadiness, symmetry, and dynamic stability in subjects with MS following a retraining program using the NeuroCom Balance Master® (NBM®). Ten subjects (6 females, 4 males) were placed in a control or treatment group. The NBM® was used to assess each subject's balance at week one and four, and was also used in the retraining program for the treatment group three times per week for four weeks. Results showed a significant difference between groups in two components of the dynamic stability tests: endpoint excursion forward (p = .042) and maximum excursion endpoint forward (p = .029). No significant difference was found in static steadiness or symmetry between groups.

The variability among subjects in the MS population pool, the small sample size, and the four-week time frame may have been limiting factors in this study. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of a balance retraining program using the NBM®.

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