Researchers receive NIH grant to study effects of BBTW treatment in patients with MS

Mar 15 2011

Motion Therapeutics, Inc. http://www.motiontherapeutics.com, the leading provider of noninvasive therapeutic solutions for balance and mobility disorders, today announced that researchers at Samuel Merritt University and San Francisco State received a NIH Recovery Act Grant to study the effects of wearing a strategically weighted vest to improve gait and mobility in people with MS.

This grant comes after the completion of a similar randomized controlled trial which was funded by the National MS Society. The NIH study, being led by Drs. Gail Widener, PT, Ph.D and Diane Allen, PT, Ph.D utilizes the BalanceWear technology invented by Cynthia Gibson-Horn, PT.

"Patients with MS suffer from imbalance and decreased mobility resulting in adverse quality of life changes," said Gibson-Horn. "In clinical practice I noticed patients having specific balance losses while struggling to complete daily tasks. I developed the BBTW method and stabilizing garment to help patients rebalance and regain control. The NIH study will provide more scientific evidence supporting this balance treatment." Gibson-Horn has worked with strategic BBTW™ treatment therapy with over 400 patients.

"We are delighted by the dramatic patient balance and mobility improvements achieved when utilizing our BBTW treatment therapy," said Steve Cookston, Motion Therapeutics' CEO. The therapy relies on a trained clinician performing the BBTW™ assessment test and utilizing the BalanceWear vest to strategically place light weights on the torso of the body.