Investigating the Effect of Cinnamon Edible Drop on Balance and Fear of Falling in MS Patients Referred to MS Association in Isfahan Province

Abstract

Introduction: Imbalance and fear of falling are common symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Drug therapy and complementary and alternative medicine and the use of medicinal plants are considered treatment options in this regard. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of cinnamon edible drop on balance and fear of falling in MS patients. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was a controlled clinical trial with a parallel design. It was conducted using convenience sampling method. Accordingly, 62 MS patients were randomly divided into control and intervention groups, so that 31 patients were placed in the control group and 31 patients were placed in the intervention group. Data collection tools included the Berg balance scale and Falls Efficiency Scale (international form). The data were analyzed at 5 error level through SPSS version 22 software. Results: The balance scores of the patients in the control and intervention groups at the end of the first and second months were not significantly different than those before the intervention (p >0.05), but the patients' fear of falling score was significantly higher at the end of the third month compared to that before the intervention (p <0.05). There was no significant difference between falling scores in control and intervention groups before and after the intervention (p >0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that daily consumption of cinnamon in MS patients can improve their balance status after 3 months, while its effect on fear of falling in these patients was not proven.