Motor programme activating therapy influences adaptive brain functions in multiple sclerosis: clinical and MRI study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Limited scientific evidence exists for neurofacilitation's impact on brain plasticity and adaptability.
• New therapeutic approaches are needed to enhance neurological recovery and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel neurofacilitation approach, Motor Programme Activating Therapy (MPAT).
• To assess MPAT's effects on clinical functions and brain microstructure using MRI.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen patients received twice-weekly 1-hour MPAT sessions for 2 months.
• Clinical functions were assessed using standardized tests.
• Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and effective connectivity analysis monitored brain changes.

Main Results:

• MPAT significantly improved clinical functions and DTI metrics (fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity).
• Effective connectivity in supplementary motor areas decreased immediately post-therapy.
• Clinical and MRI improvements persisted one month after therapy completion.

Conclusions:

• MPAT demonstrates positive immediate and long-term effects on clinical and brain functions.
• The therapy positively impacts brain microstructure, suggesting enhanced neuroplasticity.
• MPAT is a promising neurofacilitation approach for neurological rehabilitation.