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Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common progressive neurological disease (Davide et al., 2002). Abnormalities in balance control putt them at increased risk of falls (Berg et a., 1992). It important to assess different aspects of motor impairment. NeuroCom is used to evaluate postural stability (Buatois, Gueguen, Gauchard, Benetos, & Perrin, 2006). The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (Appendix A) is a clinical measure used to assess balance representing activities of daily living. The scale was developed for an elderly population (Berg, Wood-Dauphinee, Williams, & Gayton, 1989). This tool is now being used for MS individuals. Thus, the purpose of this study is to identify if there is correlation between BBS and NeuroCom. Raw Center of Pressure data were obtained from NeuroCom and analyzed using Matlab software (V. 7.0, The Math Works, Natick, MA) to find COP displacement, velocity and sway area. Equilibrium score and Fear of falling score were used for correlations. Significant correlation was found between BBS and Fear of falling. Low correlations were found between BBS and COP measures. Thus BBS is representative of daily activities but might not reflect sensitive measures of balance in MS population.