Systematic Review: The Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Falls and Improve Balance in Adults With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

This review suggests that balance may improve through exercise interventions, but that the magnitude of the improvements achieved in existing programs may not be sufficient to impact falls outcomes. Supporting participants to achieve an appropriate intensity of practice of highly challenging balance activities appears to be critical to maximizing effectiveness.

Objective physical activity levels in people with multiple sclerosis: Meta‐analysis

“…Research has shown evidence of a linear, inverse association between physical activity and cardiovascular comorbidities among pwMS highlighting the potential risks of physical inactivity in this population . In addition, promotion of PA through exercise interventions has been associated with improvements in fatigue, strength, balance, mobility, quality of life, and suggestions of a lower risk of relapse for pwMS . MS is a costly disease for the individual and society, the potential benefit of a MS population engaging in regular PA behavior is considerable.…”

“…28 In addition, promotion of PA through exercise interventions has been associated with improvements in fatigue, strength, balance, mobility, quality of life, and suggestions of a lower risk of relapse for pwMS. [2][3][4][5][6]52 MS is a costly disease for the individual and society, 53 the potential benefit of a MS population engaging in regular PA behavior is considerable. Although challenging, it appears crucial to increase PA levels among pwMS to promote longterm health.…”

“…PA has a positive long‐term influence on non‐communicable diseases including, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Disease, and/or obesity . For people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, engaging in PA is also associated with improvements in fatigue, strength, balance, mobility, and quality of life . Despite this, it is reported that people with MS (pwMS) are less physically active than their healthy counterparts, who themselves are largely sedentary …”

“…1 For people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, engaging in PA is also associated with improvements in fatigue, strength, balance, mobility, and quality of life. [2][3][4][5][6] Despite this, it is reported that people with MS (pwMS) are less physically active than their healthy counterparts, who themselves are largely sedentary. 7 In order to develop effective interventions and to evaluate change in PA behavior in this population, the extent of the problem must be investigated through accurate measurement.…”

Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Reducing Falls and Improving Gait Parameters in Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke

“…The first result of this study is that the use of FES reduced the number of falls even if subjects were asked to walk for longer than before and to increase their daily activities. This issue is an important one in these 2 pathologies, which show high prevalence of falls leading to fractures and diminished quality of life [30,31]. To understand whether this reduction in number of falls was related to changes in the gait pattern, we examined the effects of FES on foot clearance and in lower limbs kinetic variables [32,33].…”