Yoga as an intervention to manage multiple sclerosis symptoms

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS), leading to significant disability.
• MS symptoms include spasticity, fatigue, depression, anxiety, mobility, and cognitive impairments, impacting millions globally.
• Current disease-modifying therapies for MS are expensive and associated with adverse effects, prompting interest in complementary approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential benefits of yoga practices for alleviating symptoms in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• To explore yoga as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) strategy for managing MS-related challenges.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating yoga interventions for multiple sclerosis.
• Analysis of research on the impact of yoga on specific MS symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and mobility.

Main Results:

• Yoga practices show promise in reducing the severity of various MS symptoms.
• Evidence suggests yoga can positively influence physical and psychological well-being in MS patients.
• Yoga may offer a safe and accessible complementary therapy for managing the multifaceted nature of MS.

Conclusions:

• Yoga presents a viable complementary approach for managing multiple sclerosis symptoms.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the mechanisms and efficacy of yoga in MS care.
• Yoga can be a valuable tool for improving the quality of life for individuals living with MS.