The Effect of Gaze Stabilization Exercises on Balance and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student in Motor Behavior,, Tabriz, University, Tabriz,, Iran

2 Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Tabriz University , Tabriz, Iran

3 Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

10.22054/jpe.2026.91265.2912
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of gaze stabilization exercises on balance and quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients.The research method was quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of the present study was patients aged 20-40 years with multiple sclerosis in Urmia city, of whom 36 were selected through purposeful random sampling and placed in two groups of 18: experimental (mean age: 21.77±2.90) and control (mean age: 21.44±3.12). The Sharpened Romberg test for measuring static balance, the timed up-and-go test for measuring dynamic balance, and the MS-29 quality of life questionnaire were performed similarly at pre-test and post-test. The experimental group performed gaze stability exercises 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks during 60-minute sessions. The data were analyzed using analyze of covariance (ANCOVA)in SPSS software version 26. The results showed that, controlling for the pre-test score, there was a significant difference between the static and dynamic balance test scores and quality of life scores of the experimental and control groups in the post-test (p=0.001). eight weeks of gaze stabilization training significantly improved balance and visual stability in multiple sclerosis patients. This improved balance and reduced visual limitations lead to improved quality of life and more active participation in daily activities. Therefore, it is recommended that multiple sclerosis patients participate in more gaze stabilization and vision training-based exercise programs.

Keywords



Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 September 2026