THE EFFECT OF BALANCE TRAINING PERFORMED WITH STROBOSCOPIC GLASSES ON REACTION TIME IN INDIVIDUALS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: A CASE SERIES

Abstract

This study aimed to descriptively examine changes in upper and lower extremity reaction times in individuals with MS. This descriptive case series included four female individuals diagnosed with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Participants completed a static and dynamic balance exercise program performed with stroboscopic glasses over eight weeks, consisting of sixteen sessions. Upper and lower extremity reaction times were assessed using a computer-based system based on the Simple Visual Reaction Time (SVRT) protocol. Measurements were obtained before and after the intervention, and minimum, maximum, and mean reaction times were recorded. After the intervention, lower extremity reaction times decreased in all individuals, and the direction of individual change was consistent. The arithmetic mean reaction time decreased from 1488 ms at the pre-intervention assessment to 1100 ms at the post-intervention assessment (≈26% reduction). Individual changes in upper extremity reaction times showed a heterogeneous pattern. Reaction time decreased in three individuals; in these individuals, the arithmetic mean reaction time decreased from 576 ms pre-intervention to 386 ms post-intervention (≈33% reduction). In one individual, reaction time increased by approximately 17% following the intervention. Although not generalizable and unsuitable for causal inference, this case series provides preliminary evidence of limb-specific reaction time changes that may inform future controlled studies in individuals with MS.

Keywords

• Multiple sclerosis
• reaction time
• balance training
• stroboscopic glasses

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