Assessment of Changes in Postural Stability and Load Distribution in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis After 12 Weeks of Self-Paced Exercises Programmed by a Physiotherapist: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) present with reduced muscle strength during dynamic and static contractions, with deficits primarily affecting lower limbs. This study aimed to evaluate the functional parameters of lower limbs in patients with MS following an exercise program. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted an exploratory individualized 12-week program of self-paced exercises aimed at improving functional parameters of the lower limbs. Foot pressure distribution, balance during a 60-second static trial with eyes open and closed, load on each limb, and center of pressure position were recorded using the Zebris Medical platform and analyzed. RESULTS The study included 24 women with MS (mean age, 36.8 years; mean disease duration, 9.0 years). The differences in body-weight distribution between dominant and nondominant leg were significant at baseline (54.8 vs 45.2 open eyes; 57.2 vs 42.8 closed eyes; P<0.001) and improved after exercises (51.9 vs 48.1 open eyes; 53.0 vs 47.0 closed eyes) but remained significant (P<0.001), resulting in significantly lower asymmetry after exercises (9.7 vs 3.8 open eyes; 14.5 vs 5.9; P<0.001). Numerical improvements were also observed across all balance test parameters; however, statistically significant changes were noted only for two parameters: the x-coordinate of mean center of pressure (17.4 vs 16.3; P=0.005 and 17.4 vs 16.1; P<0.002) and the y-coordinate of mean center of pressure (24.4 vs 22.6; P<0.001 and 24.2 vs 22.3; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Regular lower limb self-paced exercises significantly improved limb loading symmetry and selected balance parameters.