Help with Balance for People with Multiple Sclerosis

A new pilot study conducted by the University of Massachusetts will investigate how sensation in the feet while standing relates to balance ability in people suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), and whether vibrating insoles might aid walking and improve balance. Researchers will test sensation in two areas on the soles of the feet of people with and without MS as they stand and sit, using data to determine how this relates to their balance abilities. “There is a lot of evidence that the somatosensory system, that is the skin’s sensation and body awareness or proprioception, is affected in people with MS, who often report periphery sensory loss, for example,” said one of the study’s research assistants. During the study, small devices called “tactors” placed in the subject’s shoes will produce slight vibrations. Each subject will be tested to find the most sensitive parts of their sole. With tactors in place, each subject will take a blinded test, without knowing whether the vibration is on or off, during five different postural conditions. Then after a five-minute wait, the five conditions will be tested again to see if there is any carryover effect of the vibration. To read more about this study, click here.