The implementation of a reflex locomotion program according to Vojta produces short-term automatic postural control changes in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Imbalance is common in people with multiple sclerosis.

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of a Vojta locomotion reflex program as short-term automatic postural control in patients with Multiple sclerosis.

Methods: Quasi-experimental controlled trial with a pretest-post-test design.

Participants: People with Multiple Sclerosis (N = 21) able to walk 100 m but unable to maintain 30-s tandem stance with arms alongside the body.

Intervention: in two consecutive weeks two interventions were conducted: Vojta group(A) and standard therapy group(B). Primary outcome were: Berg Balance scale (BBS), Tandem test, 10 m Walk in the 1st session (pre and post) then at the end of the study 2 weeks later.

Results: Intervention A had significant results in contrast to intervention B in BBS when referred to equilibrium variables (p = 0.026) and Tandem test (p = 0.01). In the 10 m Walk test a significant improvement was seen in both interventions, p = 0.00 in group A, p = 0.038 in group B. In addition, an association was found between the variable Core activation and the main equilibrium variable (BBS) in the intervention A.

Conclusions: The results suggest that Vojta therapy has a short-term effect improved balance in everyday skills according to BBS and the other tests (walking) in people with MS compared to a standard therapeutic procedure. www.ClinicalTrial.gov.

Registration number: NCT03887507.