%A Gandolfi,Marialuisa %A Geroin,Christian %A Picelli,Alessandro %A Munari,Daniele %A Waldner,Andreas %A Tamburin,Stefano %A Marchioretto,Fabio %A Smania,Nicola %D 2014 %J Frontiers in Human Neuroscience %C %F %G English %K Sensory feedback,Proprioception,Postural Balance,Motor Skills Disorders,physiological adaptations. %Q %R 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00318 %W %L %M %P %7 %8 2014-May-22 %9 Original Research %+ Nicola Smania,Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, Neuromotor and Cognitive Rehabilitation Research Center, University of Verona,Verona, Italy,nicola.smania@univr.it %+ Nicola Smania,Neurological Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata,Verona, Italy,nicola.smania@univr.it %# %! Robot-assisted vs Sensory Integration Training. %* %< %T Robot-assisted vs. sensory integration training in treating gait and balance dysfunctions in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial %U https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00318 %V 8 %0 JOURNAL ARTICLE %@ 1662-5161 %X Background: Extensive research on both healthy subjects and patients with central nervous damage has elucidated a crucial role of postural adjustment reactions and central sensory integration processes in generating and “shaping” locomotor function, respectively. Whether robotic-assisted gait devices might improve these functions in Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is not fully investigated in literature.Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of end-effector robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) and sensory integration balance training (SIBT) in improving walking and balance performance in patients with MS.Methods: Twenty-two patients with MS (EDSS: 1.5–6.5) were randomly assigned to two groups. The RAGT group (n = 12) underwent end-effector system training. The SIBT group (n = 10) underwent specific balance exercises. Each patient received twelve 50-min treatment sessions (2 days/week). A blinded rater evaluated patients before and after treatment as well as 1 month post treatment. Primary outcomes were walking speed and Berg Balance Scale. Secondary outcomes were the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Sensory Organization Balance Test, Stabilometric Assessment, Fatigue Severity Scale, cadence, step length, single and double support time, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54.Results: Between groups comparisons showed no significant differences on primary and secondary outcome measures over time. Within group comparisons showed significant improvements in both groups on the Berg Balance Scale (P = 0.001). Changes approaching significance were found on gait speed (P = 0.07) only in the RAGT group. Significant changes in balance task-related domains during standing and walking conditions were found in the SIBT group.Conclusion: Balance disorders in patients with MS may be ameliorated by RAGT and by SIBT.