Group-based individualized core stability and balance training in ambulant people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot feasibility test–retest study

Abstract

Group-based physiotherapy is underexplored in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and interventions integrating underlying aspects of balance are required. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a new group-based individualized core stability intervention (GroupCoreSIT) and the short-term effects on balance and walking in people with MS. A test–retest design was chosen and 12 ambulant people with MS included. GroupCoreSIT was performed three times a week for 5 weeks. Outcomes were measured using the Trunk Impairment Scale – Norwegian Version (TIS-NV), Timed 25 Foot Walking (T25FW), Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), MS Walking Scale 12 (MSWS-12), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 – Norwegian Version (MSIS 29-NV), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC^walking, PGIC^{general health}) and Visual Analogue Scale balance and walking (VAS^balance/VAS^walking). Significant improvement was demonstrated in sitting balance, TIS-NV (p = 0.003*), and walking tests T25FW (usual speed, p = 0.008, fastest speed, p = 0.005*), 2MWT (p = 0.026*) and 6MWT (p = 0.006*). Self-reported outcomes showed significant improvements: MSWS-12 (p = 0.003*), MSIS 29-NV (p = 0.005*) and VAS^balance (p = 0.017*), but VAS^walking did not show significant improvement (p = 0.088) (*significant p values after Bonferroni correction). This study provides preliminary evidence for the feasibility and effectiveness of GroupCoreSIT. An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial is required to confirm these findings.

Keywords:

• Municipality
• physiotherapy
• small groups
• tailored

Acknowledgements

We want to thank Paolo Zanaboni and Tom Wilsgaard for their support in the analysis.

Disclosure statement

The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship or publication of this article.