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Core stability exercises for improving balance in people with MS

A collaborative UK research project, facilitated and supported by the Therapists in MS initiative aimed at answering the research question:

"Does core stability training have an effect on balance and mobility in people with MS?"

STUDY PUBLISHED IN "Multiple Sclerosis" :   "EXERCISE BASKET" MADE AVAILABLE

In August 2010 the study was accepted for publication in the Professional Journal "Multiple Sclerosis"

Freeman JA et al
The effect of core stability training on balance and mobility in ambulant individuals with multiple sclerosis: a multi-centre series of single case studies
Multiple Sclerosis 2010 August 10 Read Abstract

The "Exercise Basket"   Introduction:

The effect of core stability training on balance and mobility in ambulant individuals with multiple sclerosis: a multi-centre series of replicated single case studies

The Therapists in MS Research Project Team, funded by the MS Trust, undertook a research project examining the effect of core stability training on balance and mobility in ambulant individuals with multiple sclerosis

Eight individuals with stable MS, who could walk independently with or without unilateral assistance, were recruited for the project. The intervention comprised 16 face-to-face individualised sessions lasting approximately 30 minutes. The sessions were delivered twice per week over an 8-week period, by a specialist neurological physiotherapist with experience in the delivery of core stability training to people with MS. In addition, participants carried out an individualised daily 15-minute home exercise programme.

The core stability exercises used are detailed below.

This basket, which is comprised of 10 exercises, was generated by specialist neurological physiotherapists through a consensus process. The exercises are designed to be appropriate for adults who can walk independently with or without use of unilateral assistance such as walking stick or orthotic brace. In the study the physiotherapists selected specific exercises from the exercise basket following a detailed assessment of each individual. Stretching was undertaken prior to or during these exercises to address any mal-alignments. Where necessary, in the first instance, clinicians facilitated the movements with a "hands on" approach, progressing to a "hands off" approach. Activation of transversus abdominis, in neutral spinal alignment, was required for each starting position. Each participant received a workbook with written and diagrammatic instructions describing their home exercise programme. Exercises were progressed, or new ones chosen, in response to the abilities of the individual over the 8 week intervention period.

The exercises are not presented in any particular order of progression.

These exercises should only be used by and with the supervision of a suitably qualified Physiotherapist. click here  to download the Exercises

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An innovative approach to involving MS Clinicians Research - Case Study

Research Group Project: Core stability training in people with MS with moderate disability levels.   A description and evaluation of the process was presented both at the MS Trust Annual Conference in 2009, and at The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in 2010 and has now been made available on this website

CLICK HERE for details