Exercise-based telerehabilitation for patients with multiple sclerosis using physical activity: a systematic review
Michaela Sladeckova1, Jan Kocica2, Eva Vlckova3
1Department of Neurology University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Rehabilitation University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
|November 14, 2024
Summary
Exercise-based telerehabilitation offers a feasible and safe option for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, showing comparable outcomes to traditional centre-based rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Digital Health
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) presents challenges for consistent physical activity participation.
- Telerehabilitation provides a practical alternative to in-person therapy, enabling sustained exercise for MS patients.
- This systematic review assesses exercise-based telerehabilitation for MS, focusing on feasibility, effectiveness, safety, and adherence.
Approach:
- A systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines identified relevant studies published since 2000.
- Included studies focused on MS patients, exercise-based telerehabilitation, usual care controls, and randomized controlled trial principles.
- Methodological quality was evaluated using the TESTEX tool.
Key Points:
- Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, with diverse telerehabilitation formats and outcome measures.
- Overall, telerehabilitation demonstrated promising feasibility and safety, with few adverse events.
- Effectiveness varied, with 50% of studies reporting significant improvements; adherence rates ranged widely (38%-100%).
Conclusions:
- Exercise-based telerehabilitation is a viable option for individuals with multiple sclerosis.
- Telerehabilitation demonstrates comparable outcomes to traditional centre-based rehabilitation in most evaluated aspects.
- Further research may refine adherence strategies and optimize intervention protocols.
