Citation

Kramer A, Dettmers C, Gruber M. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2014; 95(10): 1803-1809.

Affiliation

Sensorimotor Performance Lab, Department of Sports Sciences, University of Konstanz, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2014.04.020

PMID

24823959

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of and the adherence to an exergame balance training program with additional postural demands in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) DESIGN: Matched controlled trial, assessment of balance before and after different balance training programs and adherence to home-based balance exercise in the six months after the training SETTING: Kliniken Schmieder, a neurorehabilitation facility and center for multiple sclerosis in Konstanz, Germany PARTICIPANTS: 70 MS patients with balance problems, matched into one of the training groups according to age as well as balance and gait performance in four tests. Nine patients dropped out due to scheduling problems. Mean age of the 61 remaining participants was 47±9 years, EDSS 3±1 INTERVENTIONS: Three weeks of either i) conventional balance training (control), ii) exergame training (playing exergames on an unstable platform, EG), iii) single-task (ST) exercises on the unstable platform MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Test scores in balance tests and gait analyses under ST and DT. Furthermore, in the six months following the rehabilitation training, frequency and type of balance training was assessed through questionnaires.

RESULTS: All three groups showed significantly improved balance and gait scores. Only the EG showed significantly higher improvements in the DT condition of the gait test than in the ST condition. Adherence to home-based balance training differed significantly between groups (highest adherence in EG).

CONCLUSIONS: Playing exergames on an unstable surface seems to be an effective way to improve balance and gait in MS patients, especially in dual task situations. The integration of exergames seems to have a positive effect on adherence and is thus potentially beneficial for the long-term effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.

Language: en