Research Article

The Effect of Sensorimotor Synchronization on Gait Spatiotemporal Parameters in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Although gait rehabilitation based on sensorimotor synchronization (auditory and visual) is interesting for other patients with neurological disorders and the elderly, there is little evidence in patients with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of synchronization with rhythmic visual stimulus on gait Spatiotemporal parameters, bilateral symmetry, and locomotor rehabilitation index in women with multiple sclerosis.
Material and Methods: Spatiotemporal parameters, bilateral symmetry, and the locomotor rehabilitation index were obtained before and after six weeks (three times per week, 30 min) of locomotor training, comparing these findings between two groups of 10 patients, each with Expanded disability status scale (EDSS) 3-6 who performed the gait training with vs. without rhythmic visual stimulus.
Results: Time*group interaction effects indicated greater significant improvements in the group with rhythmic visual stimulus in self-selected walking speed (p=0.041), stride frequency (p=0.009), stance time (p=0.021), and locomotor rehabilitation index (p=0.036). stride length, double stance and swing time improved in the group with rhythmic visual stimulus but this change was not significant. Also, bilateral symmetry did not change significantly in the experimental group. Therefore, rhythmic visual stimulation can help improve functional mobility and locomotor rehabilitation index in patients with multiple sclerosis, especially due to the improvements in the temporal parameters of gait.
Conclusions: Therefore, synchronizing gait with a rhythmic visual stimulus can be an effective therapeutic strategy to improve gait and main temporal parameters in patients with multiple sclerosis.

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SectionResearch Article(s)
Keywords
Multiple Sclerosis Sensorimotor Synchronization Gait

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Memarmoghaddam M, Shahraki M, Mohammadi Orangi B, Correale L, Peyré-Tartaruga LA. The Effect of Sensorimotor Synchronization on Gait Spatiotemporal Parameters in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Quasi-Experimental Study. jmr. 2024;(-).