Investigation of the effects of textured insoles on balance and periodic performance parameters in multiple sclerosis individuals

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of texture insoles which are able to generate tactile stimuli on balance parameters and timed performance tests in people with MS. Methods: Thirty-six patients with the age between 20 and 64, EDSS score between 2 and 4, relapsing-remitting and secondary type MS participated in our study. Patients divided into 4 groups. Groups had their name and participant number listed as; control insole (n:9), textured insole (n:9), mechanical correction insole (n:9) and mechanical correction insole + textured insole (n:9). In order to assess effects timed performance tests such as timed up and go test (TUG) and 25 foot walk test (25FWT) were conducted. To assess balance parameters static standing test, limits of stability test, sit to stand test, tandem walk test were conducted. Following initial assessment session of participants related insoles were applied to patients in insole groups and second assessments were conducted. After second assessment session participants were asked to use given insoles for following 4 weeks period and at the end of this period 3rd assessments were conducted. Following the 3rd assessment session participants were asked to stop using insoles and assessed 4th time in order to identify weaning effect. Results: There hadn't been any significant difference between groups in initial assessment as means of age, height, weight, gender, EDSS score, medical condition, timed performance tests and balance tests (p>0.05). According to the results textured insole group and textured insole + mechanical correction insole group indicated an improvement in TUG and limits of stability test (p<0.05). It was observed that aforementioned improvements sustained through long term. There is also statistically significant improvement only in textured insole group for foam surface eyes closed condition following 4 weeks of insole usage. 4 Conclusion: Our results indicated that insole usage may provide balance improvement and sustain it throughout long term with 4 weeks of usage in MS patients with somato-sensorial problems.