Article

Balance and postural control (PC) disorders are frequent motor
disorder symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: To
demonstrate the potential improvements in balance and PC among patients with MS
who complete a virtual reality telerehabilitation program that represents a
feasible alternative to physical therapy for situations in which conventional
treatment is not available. METHODS: 50 patients was recruited. Control group (n
= 25) received physiotherapy treatment twice a week (40 min per session).
Experimental group (n = 25) received telerehabilitation treatment using the Xbox
360(R) console monitored via videoconference. Experimental group attended 40
sessions, four sessions per week (20 min per session). The treatment schedule
lasted 10 weeks for both groups. A computerised dynamic posturography and
clinical outcomes (Berg Balance and Tinettti scales) were used at baseline and at
the end of the treatment. RESULTS: Results showed an improvement over general
balance in both groups. Visual preference, the contribution of vestibular
information, mean response time and Tinetti test yielded significant differences
in the experimental group. An ANOVA revealed significant between-group
post-treatment differences in the composite equilibrium score, Berg and Tinetti
scales in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: We suggest that our virtual reality
program enables anticipatory PC and response mechanisms and might serve as a
successful therapeutic alternative in situations in which conventional therapy is
not readily available.

Langue : ANGLAIS