Balance Training Effects on Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis
In a study involving 27 people with MS, participants underwent a 2-week perturbation-based balance training program. Results showed improvements in verbal learning and processing speed. Delayed verbal recall was found to be associated with better balance adaptation, predicting stability improvements two months post-training.
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Why it matters
This research highlights the potential link between cognitive functions and balance adaptation in people with MS, suggesting that cognitive training could aid in balance rehabilitation.
What this does not prove
The improvements observed were smaller than typically expected, and the association between delayed recall and balance adaptation requires further confirmation.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Interventional
- Participants / samples
- 27 · number of people with MS
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Yes
- Relevant MS type
- All
- Publication date
- 2026-09-09
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Other
Original sources
- Primary evidenceSelective associations between cognitive practice effects and reactive balance adaptation in multiple sclerosis. ↗DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acag077
Supporting passages (14)
study phaseThis study examined cognitive practice effects and their relationship to reactive balance adaptation in MS.
study designTwenty-seven people with MS and 17 neurotypical adults completed 2 baseline cognitive assessments over 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week perturbation-based balance training program over 6 progressive sessions.
subjectsMETHODS: Twenty-seven people with MS and 17 neurotypical adults completed 2 baseline cognitive assessments over 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week perturbation-based balance training program over 6 progressive sessions.
sample sizeMETHODS: Twenty-seven people with MS and 17 neurotypical adults completed 2 baseline cognitive assessments over 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week perturbation-based balance training program over 6 progressive sessions.
sample size basisRESULTS: People with MS improved on verbal learning (CVLT-II Total Recall: F (1, 42) = 83.11, p < .001, η2p = 0.66) and processing speed (F(1, 42) = 4.68, p = .036, η2p = 0.10).
peer reviewedJournal: Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists
primary endpoint metThe magnitude of improvement did not differ significantly between groups; however, standardized regression-based scores indicated the MS group's gains were smaller than normatively expected (t(26) = -2.60, p = .015, d = -0.50).
research categoriesPractice effects may reflect neuroplasticity and predict rehabilitation responsiveness.
relevant ms typesCognitive and balance impairments are common in multiple sclerosis (MS).
interventionperturbation-based balance training program over 6 progressive sessions.
follow upOnly delayed recall predicted immediate improvements in backward margin of stability (β = 0.71, p = .033, η2p = 0.22) and, with some sensitivity to influential observations, retained improvements at two-month follow-up (β = 1.12, p = .015, η2p = 0.29).
findingsCognitive practice effects in MS are largely preserved.
limitationsDelayed verbal recall was selectively associated with reactive balance adaptation, suggesting a possible role for consolidation-dependent memory in balance rehabilitation, though this association requires confirmatory replication.
publication datePublication date: 2026-09-09
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