Comparing the Effectiveness of Selected Tai Chi Exercises and Core Stabilization Exercises on Static and Dynamic Balance in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Emphasis on EDSS - A Clinical Trial

Background and Objective: Balance disorders are a common problem in patients with MS. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of selected Tai Chi exercises and core stabilization exercises on balance in multiple sclerosis patients with an emphasis on Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, ۷۲ MS patients were purposefully selected and were divided into three groups; Tai Chi, core stabilization exercises and control group (each group consisting of ۲۴ patients), each group had two subgroups; mild or moderate degree of disability. Biodex balance system meter was used to measure the patientschr('۳۹') balance.The two experimental groups underwent Tai Chi and core stabilization exercises for ۸ weeks. MANCOVA was used to analyze the results. Results: Statistical results showed that there was a significant difference between balance (static and dynamic) in the control group with tai chi and core stability groups ( P<۰/۰۵). There was no significant difference between the two experimental groups (P>۰/۰۵). This means that the effect of these exercises in improving balance is equal. The effectiveness of Tai Chi exercises and core stability exercises on balance in patients with a moderate degree of disability was higher than patients with a mild degree of disability. Conclusion: Exercises have different effects on patients with different degrees of disability. The effect of exercises on balance in patients with a moderate degree of disability was more than patients with a mild degree of disability. Exercise intensity should be increased for greater effectiveness in patients with a moderate degree of disability.

Keywords:

Exercise Therapy , Postural Balance , Multiple Sclerosis , Effectiveness , Expanded Disability Status Scale