Intensive Circuit Class Therapy in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently causes motor dysfunction and gait impairment.
• Physiotherapy offers long-term benefits for managing MS symptoms.
• A focused, intensive therapy approach may enhance patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week intensive circuit class therapy for patients with MS.
• To assess the impact of this therapy on gait ability and fatigue levels.
• To determine if intensive circuit class therapy improves quality of life indicators in MS patients.

Main Methods:

• 46 relapsing-remitting MS patients were randomized into an intensive circuit class therapy group (n=23) or a control group (n=23).
• Assessments included the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Four-Stage Balance Test (FSBT).
• Patient-reported outcomes measured fatigue (MFIS), walking ability (MSWS-12), depression (BDI), and overall health (SF-36).

Main Results:

• The therapy group showed significant improvements in the FSBT, TUG test, MFIS, BDI, MSWS-12, and SF-36 subscales (p < 0.05).
• The control group did not exhibit significant changes in these measures.
• Intensive circuit class therapy demonstrated a positive impact on physical function and psychological well-being.

Conclusions:

• Intensive circuit class therapy is a viable and effective intervention for improving gait and balance in MS patients.
• The therapy effectively alleviates fatigue and reduces symptoms of depression.
• This approach represents a promising therapeutic strategy for enhancing functional capacity in individuals with MS.