Sex Differences in Elderly Multiple Sclerosis Patients Undergoing Neurorehabilitation: How Many Things are Taken for Granted? A Retrospective Study

Davide Cardile ¹, Maria Grazia Maggio ¹, Lilla Bonanno ¹

⁰Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Messina, Italy.

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology +

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August 1, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Robotics plus virtual reality (VR) enhanced cognitive rehabilitation for older adults with MS. Women showed stronger cognitive gains, highlighting the importance of gender-specific approaches in neurological rehabilitation.

Area Of Science

Neurology
Rehabilitation Medicine
Geriatrics

Background

Cognitive impairment is a significant challenge for older adults with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Personalized rehabilitation strategies are crucial for optimizing outcomes in neurological conditions.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate gender differences in cognitive rehabilitation outcomes.
To evaluate the efficacy of robotics-assisted VR training compared to traditional methods in older MS patients.

Main Methods

Retrospective study of 80 older adults (aged >60) with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS).
Experimental group: Lokomat Free-D training with VR integration.
Control group: Traditional rehabilitation. Cognitive, functional, and emotional outcomes assessed pre- and post-treatment.

Main Results

The robotics-VR group showed significantly greater improvements in MoCA, FIM, and HRS-A scores compared to the control group, across both genders.
Women in the experimental group demonstrated a positive correlation between MoCA scores and gender, indicating enhanced cognitive gains.
Traditional rehabilitation yielded more limited improvements, especially in mood scores.

Conclusions

Robotics-assisted VR training offers superior cognitive, functional, and emotional benefits for older adults with MS compared to traditional methods.
Gender differences significantly influence rehabilitation outcomes, suggesting a need for tailored interventions.
Personalizing neurological rehabilitation based on gender is essential for maximizing patient recovery and well-being.

Keywords:

Lokomat gender differences multiple sclerosis neurorehabilitation virtual reality