Core stability-based balance training and kinesio taping for balance, trunk control, fear of falling and walking capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized single-blinded study

Abstract

Background: Trunk performance-based therapies are important in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) rehabilitation process since they have been associated with balance, trunk performance, fall prevention, and walking capacity. Kinesio taping (KT) is a popular approach that has recently been used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular impairments. Therefore, the aim of this single-blind, randomized controlled study was to investigate the effects of KT combined trunk stabilization-based balance training on balance, trunk control, walking capacity, and fear of falling in patients with MS.

Material and methods: Thirty patients diagnosed with MS were randomly assigned to the KT group or the control group. The control group received core stability-based balance training and the KT group was treated with KT applied on global trunk muscles in addition to core stability-based balance training. Balance was measured with the Mini BESTest, trunk control with the Trunk Impairment Scale, fear of falling with the Falls Efficacy Scale and walking capacity with the 2-minute walk test.

Results: Balance, trunk control, fear of falling, and walking capacity of all the patients improved after treatment (p < 0.05). No superiority was found between the groups in terms of treatment efficacy (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, core stability-based balance training was effective in patients with MS, and the addition of KT had no additional effect in terms of balance, trunk control, fear of falling, and walking capacity.

Keywords: Core stability; Kinesiotape; Multiple sclerosis; Postural balance.