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Exercise Balance Program for Fall Prevention in Multiple Sclerosis
Sponsor: International Hellenic University
Summary
Falls and balance impairments are common in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and may negatively affect mobility, independence, confidence in daily activities, and quality of life, while increasing the risk of injury. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a 6-week combined Otago-based and game-inspired balance-training program on static balance, functional mobility, fear of falling, and perceived walking ability in individuals with MS. Thirty participants with MS were randomly allocated to either an intervention group or an active control group. Both groups received fall-prevention counselling and performed home-based Otago-related exercises three times per week. The intervention group additionally received one supervised balance-training session per week using colored-circle and Twister-inspired task-oriented exercises. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention period using the FICSIT-4 for static balance, the Timed Up and Go test for functional mobility, the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) for fear of falling, and the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) for perceived walking limitations.
Official title: Effects of an Otago-Based Exercise and Game-Inspired Balance Training Program on Balance, Mobility, and Fall-Related Outcomes in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2026-02-01
Completion Date
2026-05-10
Last Updated
2026-05-28
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Combined Otago-Based and Game-Inspired Balance Training
This intervention combined home-based Otago-related exercises with supervised task-oriented balance training. The home-based component included selected balance and lower-limb strengthening exercises performed three times per week. The supervised component was delivered once weekly and included exercises with colored floor markers, postural tasks linked to color cues, and Twister-inspired stepping activities. These tasks were used to challenge postural control, coordination, visuomotor responses, and movement adaptability.
Otago Exercise Program only
This intervention consisted of selected Otago-related balance and lower-limb strengthening exercises performed at home three times per week for 6 weeks. Participants also received fall-prevention counselling and instructional material for home practice. No supervised colored-marker or Twister-inspired balance tasks were included.
Locations (1)
International Hellenic University
Thessaloniki, Greece