The Effect of Combined Training in Stable and Unstable Surfaces on Spatio-Temporal Parameters and Ability of Gait in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of ten-week combined training in stable and unstable surfaces on spatio-temporal parameters of gait in patients with multiple sclerosis. Thirty patients were divided into two exercise groups. spatio-temporal parameters were measured with camera. The timed 25-foot walk test, six-minute walk test and Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 test were used to assess walking speed and endurance and self-reports of walking ability, respectively. The results showed that there were significant improvements for all outcome measures in both exercise groups. Exercise group in unstable surface showed significantly larger improvement in ability of walking, percentage of single support, reduction of step width and percentage of a gait cycle in double support than exercise group in stable surface. According to research findings, exercise in stable and unstable surfaces resulted in considerable improvements in spatio-temporal parameters and ability of walking in patients with multiple sclerosis