Effects of Intrinsic Foot Muscle Training in Improving Stability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
<b>Background</b>: Stability deficit is one of the most common and disabling signs of multiple sclerosis; therefore, balance training is essential for most patients. Intrinsic foot muscles are a key element in stability, but their influence in multiple sclerosis patients has not been ass...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Applied Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/12/6809 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background</b>: Stability deficit is one of the most common and disabling signs of multiple sclerosis; therefore, balance training is essential for most patients. Intrinsic foot muscles are a key element in stability, but their influence in multiple sclerosis patients has not been assessed. <b>Objective</b>: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of intrinsic foot muscle training on stability in patients with multiple sclerosis. <b>Methodology</b>: A randomized single-blind clinical trial was conducted using a sample of multiple sclerosis patients divided into a control group (CG) and an intervention group (IG). Subjects in the intervention group completed an eight-week intrinsic foot muscles training programme. Static and dynamic stability were measured using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence questionnaire (AsBC), the Four Square Step Test (FSST), the Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques (FICSIT), and the Six Spot Step Test (SSST). Pre- and post-intervention outcomes and differences between groups were calculated. <b>Results</b>: The amount of change comparing pre- and post-intervention results was −0.94 (CG) and 5.59 (IG) in the AsBC questionnaire (<i>p</i> 0.17); −1.0 (CG) and −1.5 (IG) in the FSST (<i>p</i> 0.72); 0.0 for both groups in FICSIT (<i>p</i> 0.629); and −1.5 (CG) and −2.0 (IG) in SSST (<i>p</i> 0.692). <b>Conclusions</b>: Intrinsic foot muscle training produces positive changes in dynamic stability and self-perceived confidence in multiple sclerosis patients. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-3417 |