Improvement in Balance and Gait Speed of MS Patients under Challenge Point Framework

Background: Challenge Point Framework (CPF) is a model by which it is possible to enhance mobility learning through interference in practice conditions to adjust task difficulty as a consequence of the interaction between skill levels of learner and the task difficulty. As the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients have trouble with balance control and walking, giving practice in the framework can help them cope with these movement problems. In the previous studies, it was clear that the method was useful in Parkinson and brain stroke patients, not in MS patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to address the CPF to improve control balance and mobility of the MS patients.
Method: We have randomly selected 22 individuals with MS (M_age= 32± 4.5_yrs.) and divided them into two groups of control and experiment with 12 interference sessions. We employed Timed Up and Go (TUG) test to evaluate balance and 25-foot walk test to measure speed.
Results: The results have indicated that the speed and balance of the patients in experiment group have been improved due to interference based on CPF (P≥0.001).
Conclusion: Therefore, the efficiency of CPF has been approved in gait speed and balance of the MS patients.