Effect of Anchor System on Postural Control, Balance, and Lower Extremity Function in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: To ascertain how anchor system training affects the participants with multiple sclerosis's balance, postural control, and lower extremity functions. Method: Thirty multiple sclerosis subjects based on inclusion criteria. After obtaining informed consent, the study subjects received anchor system training sessions lasting 40 minutes per session, two days/week for six weeks. MS subjects were assessed before and after six weeks for balance, postural control, and lower extremity function using TUGT, FRT, LRT, AND LEFS. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and reliability test statistics. Findings: The time up and go test for the subjects before and after the intervention protocol were 26.53±1.52 and 21.66±2.46, respectively. The score was statistically significant with p=0.001 (p<0.05), indicating a significant improvement in the balance component of motor symptoms in MS after six weeks of intervention protocol. This study measured postural control using the forward and lateral reach tests. The pre- and post-FRT mean for the right upper extremity of the study participants was 13.87±1.08, 19.05±1.39 respectively, and the mean left upper extremity of the study participants was 14.05±1.14 and 19.2±1.51. Pre- and post-LRT mean for the right upper extremity of the study participants was 11.27±0.96 and 16.78±1.20 respectively, and the mean left upper extremity of the study participants was 11.32±0.95 and 16.93±1.18. The score was statistically significant with p=0.001 (p<0.05) for both the FRT and LR. For lower extremity function LEFS (scores:33.70±2.92 and 39.90±3.58) (p< 0.05), which infers a significant improvement in the lower extremity function of motor symptoms in MS after 6 weeks of intervention protocol. Conclusion: The study concludes that the anchor system significantly improves balance, regulates alignment, and improves lower limb functioning with multiple sclerosis. Novelty: The study's innovation lies in incorporating a suitable and focused assessment tool, namely a rehabilitation of equilibrium, maintaining alignment, and limb work.