Monitoring Intensity During Balance Training in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis - a Randomized Feasibility Study

The balance training is performed three times per week over a period of three weeks with sessions lasting 45-60 minutes. The intervention is designed to meet the individual needs of pwMS and allows for challenging tasks, while guaranteeing safety by a harnass. During the first training session the appropriate exercise levels that target the adequate intensity are determined (baseline value). Moderate to high-intensive BT in this study is defined as a score of 7-9 points on the rate of perceived stability (RPS) scale and to fulfill the moderate to high-intensive characteristics on the therapists' scale. The intensity of each exercise (level of challenge during the exercise) is monitored and documented for both the therapists and pwMS. According to this feedback, progression is performed by systematically by in- or decreasing difficulty of the exercises.

The control group performs a standardized group training session (usual care, UC) that consists of strength, endurance, coordination, balance and mobility exercises. This training is part of standard care at the Rehabilitation Clinic Valens and is therefore not personalized for each participant. The training is performed three times per week over a period of three weeks with sessions lasting 45-60 minutes.