Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of physiotherapy interventions on balance in
people with multiple sclerosis. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search was
conducted in Medline, Cinahl, Embase, PEDro, both electronically and by manual
search up to March 2011. STUDY SELECTION:
Randomized controlled trials of
physiotherapy interventions in people with multiple sclerosis, with an outcome
measure linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
Health (ICF) category of "Changing and maintaining body position", were included.
DATA EXTRACTION: The quality of studies was determined by the van Tulder
criteria. Meta-analyses were performed in subgroups according to the
intervention. DATA SYNTHESIS: After screening 233 full-text papers, 11 studies
were included in a qualitative analysis and 7 in a meta-analysis. The
methodological quality of the studies ranged from poor to moderate. Low evidence
was found for the efficacy of specific balance exercises, physical therapy based
on an individualized problem-solving approach, and resistance and aerobic
exercises on improving balance among ambulatory people with multiple sclerosis.
CONCLUSION: These findings indicate small,
but significant, effects of
physiotherapy on balance in people with multiple sclerosis who have a mild to
moderate level of disability. However, evidence for severely disabled people is
lacking, and further research is needed.

Langue : ANGLAIS