AUTHOR=Gandolfi Marialuisa , Geroin Christian , Picelli Alessandro , Munari Daniele , Waldner Andreas , Tamburin Stefano , Marchioretto Fabio , Smania Nicola 

TITLE=Robot-assisted vs. sensory integration training in treating gait and balance dysfunctions in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2014

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00318

DOI=10.3389/fnhum.2014.00318

ISSN=1662-5161

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Background:</bold> Extensive research on both healthy subjects and patients with central nervous damage has elucidated a crucial role of postural adjustment reactions and central sensory integration processes in generating and “shaping” locomotor function, respectively. Whether robotic-assisted gait devices might improve these functions in Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is not fully investigated in literature.</p><p><bold>Purpose:</bold> The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of end-effector robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) and sensory integration balance training (SIBT) in improving walking and balance performance in patients with MS.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> Twenty-two patients with MS (EDSS: 1.5–6.5) were randomly assigned to two groups. The RAGT group (<italic>n</italic> = 12) underwent end-effector system training. The SIBT group (<italic>n</italic> = 10) underwent specific balance exercises. Each patient received twelve 50-min treatment sessions (2 days/week). A blinded rater evaluated patients before and after treatment as well as 1 month post treatment. Primary outcomes were walking speed and Berg Balance Scale. Secondary outcomes were the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Sensory Organization Balance Test, Stabilometric Assessment, Fatigue Severity Scale, cadence, step length, single and double support time, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Between groups comparisons showed no significant differences on primary and secondary outcome measures over time. Within group comparisons showed significant improvements in both groups on the Berg Balance Scale (<italic>P</italic> = 0.001). Changes approaching significance were found on gait speed (<italic>P</italic> = 0.07) only in the RAGT group. Significant changes in balance task-related domains during standing and walking conditions were found in the SIBT group.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> Balance disorders in patients with MS may be ameliorated by RAGT and by SIBT.</p>