Efficacy of ultraviolet B radiation versus vitamin D
3 on postural control and cognitive functions in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled study.
J Bodyw Mov Ther 2023;
35:49-56. [PMID:
37330802 DOI:
10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.04.069]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is the most common type of MS with prevalence rate 20-60 patients/100.000 individuals in Egypt. Poor postural control and cognitive dysfunctions are well-established complications of RRMS without potent remedy yet. The latest evidence highlighted the potential and independent immune-modulating effects of vitamin D3 and ultraviolet radiation in the management of RRMS.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of broadband ultraviolet B radiation (UVBR) versus moderate loading dose of vitamin D3 supplementation in improving postural control and cognitive functions.
DESIGN
Pretest-posttest randomized controlled study.
SETTING
Multiple sclerosis outpatient unit of Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital.
PARTICIPANTS
Forty-seven patients with RRMS were recruited from both genders, yet only 40 completed the study.
INTERVENTIONS
Patients were randomized into two groups: UVBR group involved 24 patients, received sessions for 4 weeks and vitamin D3 group involved 23 patients, took vitamin D3 supplementation (50 000 IU/week) for 12 weeks.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Overall balance system index (OSI) and symbol digit modalities test (SDMT).
RESULTS
Highly significant decrease (P < 0.001) of the OSI in both groups post-treatment, indicating improved postural control. Moreover, highly significant improvement in the SDMT scores was noted, indicating information processing speed enhancement. Nonetheless, no statistically significant (P ≥ 0.05) differences were evident between the two groups post-treatment in all tested measures.
CONCLUSION
Both therapeutic programs were statistically equal in improving postural control and cognitive functions. However, clinically, UVBR therapy was more convenient owing to its shorter treatment time and higher percentage of change for all tested measures.
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