Tension and trauma releasing exercises for people with multiple sclerosis - An exploratory pilot study

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by increasing symptom burden leading many people with MS to use complementary treatments. TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) is a mind-body therapeutic method aiming to release muscle tension and stress. People with MS (PwMS) have reported benefits from TRE, but no scientific studies have investigated the effects of TRE on PwMS. Aim: To test a TRE program for PwMS and thereby explore outcome measures to be applied in future randomized studies.

A nine-week TRE program was completed by nine participants: Five were women, age ranged from 44 to 66 years, and time since diagnosis ranged from 2 to 21 years. Outcome measures included self-reported day-to-day levels of nine different symptoms as well as sleep quality and stress level. Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) fatigue score and spasticity level of the ankle plantar flexors, assessed using a Portable Spasticity Assessment Device (PSAD), were measured pre and post intervention.

Decreases were seen in the mean scores of all nine self-reported day-to-day symptoms as well as stress level, while sleep quality mean score increased. LME analyses showed that all changes were statistically significant except one (bowel dysfunction). Mean MFIS-measured fatigue level decreased significantly from a score of 43.7 (SD = 13.6) to a score of 22.0 (SD = 12.3). No significant change was reported in PSAD-measured spasticity level.

The study indicates possible effects of TRE on PwMS on several self-reported outcome measures. Larger, randomized studies should be carried out to explore the findings further.