Helius Medical Technologies announced positive results from their PoNSTEP study, demonstrating the long-term benefits of PoNS Therapy for gait deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The study showed a significant improvement in gait, measured by the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and a correlation between adherence to the therapy and the degree of improvement. This is the first clinical evidence linking adherence to PoNS Therapy with gait improvement and establishing its long-term effects six months post-treatment in MS patients.
This news is impactful for both MS patients and the field of neuromodulation. For patients experiencing gait difficulties due to MS, PoNS Therapy offers a potential solution for improving mobility and quality of life, with benefits lasting beyond the initial treatment period. The demonstrated link between adherence and improvement empowers patients to actively participate in their recovery. The findings also offer clinicians a more robust understanding of how to integrate this therapy effectively. This reinforces the potential of neuromodulation as a valuable tool in neurological rehabilitation, opening doors for wider application and further research into its mechanisms.
The PoNSTEP study involved 43 MS patients undergoing 14 weeks of PoNS Therapy combined with physical rehabilitation. 38 patients completed the initial 14-week protocol, showing a mean DGI improvement of 5 points. Adherence to the at-home portion of the therapy (Phase 2) averaged 71% and was directly correlated with gait improvement. At the six-month follow-up, only one out of 28 assessed patients experienced a significant decline in DGI, suggesting durable therapeutic benefits. This data supports the importance of treatment adherence for maximizing and maintaining positive outcomes with PoNS Therapy.
These positive results pave the way for broader adoption of PoNS Therapy. The evidence of sustained improvement and the correlation between adherence and outcomes strengthen the case for its inclusion in standard MS treatment protocols. This could translate into improved mobility and quality of life for a larger population of MS patients. Furthermore, the study’s findings encourage further investigation into the role of neuroplasticity in rehabilitation and may inspire the development of similar neuromodulation therapies for other neurological conditions.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
