Core Stability Training and Its Influence on Balance, Fatigue, and Well-being in Multiple Sclerosis Subjects (ORP-02)

MS often causes fatigue, balance issues, and reduced QoL (Cameron and Nilsagard, 2018). Core Stability Training (CST) may improve these outcomes in people with MS, but limited research has examined the impact of an 8-week core training program. The current study investigated the effect of 8 weeks of CST on Balance, Fatigue, and QoL in individuals with MS. Methods: 20 adults with MS were randomized into intervention (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The intervention group completed 28 progressive core stability exercise sessions over eight weeks. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Test, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and SF-36 questionnaire to assess balance, fatigue, and QoL at baseline and post-intervention. Results: The core training program significantly improved Berg Balance Test scores in the intervention group compared to controls (p=0.001). Fatigue was also reduced post-intervention as measured by the FSS total score (p=0.001). Several SF-36 domains showed improved QoL in the intervention group, including physical functioning, physical role, and bodily pain (p=0.00); in contrast, no significance was shown in other domains, such as social functioning, general health, vitality, and mental health (p0.01). Conclusions: Individuals with MS who participated in an 8-week core stability exercise program showed significant improvements in their balance, fatigue, and specific aspects of their quality of life. Targeted core muscle strengthening may enhance outcomes for people with this condition. The present study recommends that a higher number of participants and an extended follow-up duration should be considered for future investigations. This will allow for more comprehensive and reliable findings to be obtained.