Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive multifocal disease of the central nervous system that often leads to different clinical manifestations. Patients with MS often have a balance disorder. Virtual reality (VR) is a popular balance training tool with the advantages of increased compliance and user satisfaction.

To clarify the effect of 6-week VR balance training in patients with MS using the Computer-Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) system (Figure 1), Alon Kalron from Tel Aviv University in Israel designed a randomized controlled trial and published the results in the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation in the March 2016 issue.

A total of 30 patients with MS were included in the study, including 19 females and 11 males with an average age of 45.2 years, an average disease duration of 11 years, and an average extended disability status score (EDSS) of 4.1. Patients were randomly assigned to either the VR intervention group or the regular training group. Each group received a balanced 6-week training session twice a week for 30 minutes.

The VR group uses the CAREN integration system, designed by Motek Medical BV, to generate a variety of controlled, repetitive simulation environments, including 3D visual, auditory, and proprioceptive, through dedicated software. The regular training group received 10 minutes of stretch training and 20 minutes of treatment, including static posture control, weight transfer, and disturbance exercises.

At the beginning and end of the training, the evaluation includes the indicators of the Zebris FDM-T tablet recording posture (elliptical swing area, pressure center moving distance, swing rate, weight distribution on the left and right feet), functional extension test (accepted The maximum distance the tester can reach in the specified position, used to assess stability), the Berg balance scale (0~56 points, of which 41~56 points represent low fall risk, and 21~40 points represent middle fall risk) , 0~20 points represent high fall risk), quadruple step test (time to move forward and backward and sideways across obstacles), international fall self-rating scale, etc.

The results of the study showed that the time of the movement of the pressure center in the blinking state, the swing rate of the blinking eye, the square test and the fall self-rating scale were improved, and the VR group function extension test and the fear of the fall score were more obvious. There was no significant improvement in the above indicators in both groups when the eyes were closed.

Studies have shown that balance training based on CAREN equipment is an effective method for patients with multiple sclerosis.