Basically, posture and balance was improved when the person living with RRMS lightly touched a stationary object whether or not their eyes were open or their feet were together or apart.  This directly reflects what members of our lunch group did naturally.  I know that when I need to stand for any period of time, I am much more stable when I’m touching something.  Authors suggest that “light finger touch contact is effective in improving postural control in people with MS and can be considered as a useful balance rehabilitative strategy” (Kanekar, 2013).

I find it very interesting when research reveals what we might do naturally and what we might need to do to help improve stability and balance.  For example, another study demonstrated that individuals with minimal balance impairment due to MS shifted their weight to a lesser degree than healthy controls when leaning to reach for objects (Karst, 2005).  This suggested to researchers that these individuals were instinctively aware of their limitations and were able to find a strategy (deviate less from their center of gravity) to accomplish a task (reaching for objects) while staying within their reduced limits of stability.

Have you worked with a physical therapist to improve your balance or gait?  Did you use a force platform as part of your therapy?  What do you do instinctively to stay on your feet and maintain balance when living with MS?

SOURCES:
Kanekar N, Lee YJ, Aruin AS.  Effect of light finger touch in balance control of individuals with multiple sclerosis.  Gait Posture 2013 Mar 18.  pii: S0966-6362(13)00135-5. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2013.02.017. [Epub ahead of print]

Karst GM, Venema DM, Roehrs TG, Tyler AE.  Center of Pressure Measures during Standing Tasks in Minimally Impaired Persons with Multiple Sclerosis. J Neurol Phys Ther 2005 Dec;29(4):170-80.  (pdf)

Lisa Emrich is author of the blog Brass and Ivory: Life with MS and RA and founder of the Carnival of MS Bloggers.