EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON STANDING BALANCE OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PATIENTS

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the CNS in which there are numerous patches of demyelination throughout the white matter. The disorder affects sensory and motor functions and in most cases is characterized by exacerbations and remissions over a period of many years. One of the most devastating motor problems of MS patients is the deterioration of balance. Several researchers indicated that exercise would help to improve overall physical condition of the patients. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of an exercise program on standing balance of multiple sclerosis patients. The results of the case studies of 3 patients for 9-week exercise program indicate that balance measurements were remained the same. Therefore, we can conclude that the balance measurements of those patients did not deteriorate with the level of exercise/activity that they received during the program.