PoNS device leads to gait improvements in MS

A 14-week programme combining physical therapy with a Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) – a neurostimulator designed to improve mobility – has been shown to significantly enhance walking in people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). New findings from the real-world PoNSTEP clinical study suggest these benefits can be maintained over time.

The results align with earlier research, showing that those who followed the therapy plan more closely during the at-home phase experienced the greatest improvements in movement and function.

PoNS is a device designed to support people with mild to moderate MS by improving walking and balance. It works by sending gentle electrical pulses to the tongue, which then travel to the brain through two cranial nerves. This stimulation is thought to encourage neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself. When used alongside physical therapy, PoNS may help strengthen the neural pathways needed for movement, boosting the effects of rehabilitation.

Currently available in the US and Canada, PoNS is set to expand into Europe. It is also approved for short-term use in Australia by healthcare professionals as part of a therapeutic exercise programme to support balance and walking.