Comparing routine neurorehabilitation programme with callisthenic exercises in multiple sclerosis

We conducted a study that examined the effectiveness of callisthenic exercises in multiple sclerosis. 30 individuals were divided into two groups. The first group did 15~callisthenic exercises and the second group did routine neurorehabilitation programme. Both groups did the programmes for three days per week over six weeks. Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F), muscle strength tests, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), Turkish versions of Short Form of 36 (SF-36), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) were used for evaluation. After physiotherapy programmes VAS-F, muscle strength, BBS scores decreased significantly in both groups. HAD anxiety score of the first group and HAD depression score of the second group changed significantly. There were no differences in MSFC and SF-36 scores in any groups. The difference between groups was not significant in any parameters, except for the muscle test for upper limbs of the second group. Callisthenic exercises are seen as a new therapy choice, which are different from routine exercises, in order to decrease fatigue, improve balance and muscle strength. Callisthenics are thought to be a beneficial tool for MS patients.