Effects of Balance Exercises Performed With Different Visual Stimuli

Functional Near Infrared Ray Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy is a device used to evaluate brain functions in the cerebral cortex. This device is an optical brain imaging method that measures the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) response of brain tissues. With this method, relative changes in regional brain oxygenation in the part thought to be associated with brain activation can be determined. In our study, Artinis Brite Lite® fNIRS systems will be used. The system consists of a wearable soft head and has 10 channels. In the evaluation procedure, a trial session will be conducted before the actual measurement, during which the subjects will be fitted with an fNIRS headset. The balance tasks to be evaluated will consist of right and left weight transfer, standing with two feet together, standing on one leg, tandem walking, turning from right to left/left to right, jumping in place and jumping over obstacles (Sathe et al., 2023).

Timed Up and Go Test

It is an assessment tool with strong evidence for its validity as a measure of functional mobility in individuals with MS ( Sebastiao et al., 2016 ).

Functional Reach Test

It is an easily applicable dynamic balance measurement technique that has features similar to functional movements. Distances below 15 cm have been found to be associated with an increased risk of falling (Weiner et al., 1992).

Berg Balance Scale

Berg Balance Scale is a scale that is widely used to evaluate balance disorders in multiple sclerosis patients (Berg et al., 1989), provides information about the patient's balance function, and is used to evaluate post-rehabilitation improvements (Gervasoni et al., 2016). The scale consists of 14 items for monitoring performance. Each item is scored between 0 and 4; A high score indicates good balance.

Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test

This test was developed by Desrosiers et al. to evaluate the lower extremity motor coordination skills of patients with a history of stroke, low back pain and surgery. Developed by. The test begins with the individual sitting on a chair with the knees and ankles at a 90-degree angle. Two red targets with a diameter of 6 cm are placed in front of it, distally and proximally, on a 55x50x0.4 cm mat, with 19 specific localization dimensions. The individual is asked to touch the target closest to the big toe as quickly and smoothly as possible. The number of movements made repetitively, smoothly and as fast as possible within 20 seconds is recorded (Desrosiers et al., 2005).

Fatigue Severity Scale

It is a scale consisting of 9 questions that evaluates fatigue. Each item is scored between 0 and 7. The total score is calculated by taking the arithmetic average of the scores. A score \<4 is interpreted as no fatigue, and a score ≥4 as fatigue (Whitehead, 2009). The Turkish validity and reliability study of the scale was conducted by Armutlu et al., (Armutlu et al., 2007).

Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Scale-54 was developed in 1995 by Vickrey et al. It was developed by (Vickrey et al., 1995); Turkish validity and reliability study by İdiman et al. Made by. The scale examines individuals' health-related quality of life levels with Likert-type scoring in a total of 54 questions prepared specifically for MS disease. Scoring varies between 0-100, with a higher score indicating a better quality of life (İdiman et al., 2006).