Investigating the Effects of the SurroGait Rx™ Device on Postural Stability, Gait, and MSIS-29 Outcomes in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Jordyn Vienneau*, Jay Bauman, Sandro Nigg, Benno M Nigg and Scott E Jarvis

Received: January 17, 2018;   Published: January 24, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.02.000689

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate eight week training effects, followed by eight weeks of washout effects with a newly developed medical device (the SurroGait Rx™ [Orpyx Medical Technologies Inc., Calgary, Canada]) on physical and psychological impacts of multiple sclerosis (MS), gait, and balance parameters in individuals with MS. Seven individuals with MS completed the 16-week protocol, which included baseline, post-training (8 weeks) and post-washout (16 weeks) sessions. During each session, impact of MS on the patient (MSIS-29), gait (T25FW, stride variables), and balance (postural sway trajectory) parameters were assessed. Results showed significant improvements in the MSIS-29 scores after training, no effect on gait variables, and longer postural sway trajectories with the device on versus off. There were no significant training effects in the balance tasks. Future studies are warranted using individuals with more advanced cases of MS to more fully understand the potential benefits of the SurroGait Rx.

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