Exercise Training in Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Effectiveness of Exercise Training in Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Multiple sclerosis is one of the leading causes of disability in young adults. It is known that patients with pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) experience their first demyelinating attack before the age of 18. However, studies conducted with individuals with pediatric onset of multiple sclerosis have been reported to be few and have affected parameters such as physical activity, fatigue balance and quality of life. Therefore, this study is planned to consist of two stages. These are the following stages;

1. Assessment of people with pediatric onset multiple sclerosis with the evaluation methods detailed below. After these evaluations, the relationship between the 6-minute walk test performance of the patients and other evaluations will be examined. Within the scope of the project, a publication will be prepared and uploaded with the data obtained from this stage.
2. The patients are divided into two groups, one group is included in the online exercise program, and the other group is included in the exercise program after being put on the waiting list.

People with pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) experience various sensory, motor, cerebellar and cognitive dysfunctions due to the destruction of the central nervous system. These disorders may cause limitation of physical activity in people with POMS. In a study comparing people with POMS with monophasic acquired demyelinating syndrome (mono-ADS) and healthy controls in terms of physical activity levels, it was reported that people with POMS performed less physical activity compared to other groups. In addition, it has been reported that people with POMS have increased complaints such as depression and fatigue and their quality of life decreases. The aim of this study is to (1) investigate functional exercise capacity and its relationship between physical activity level, muscle strength, balance, fatigue and quality of life in POMS patients and (2) examine the effect of online exercise training on physical activity, balance, fatigue and quality of life in POMS patients. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups, the online exercise program group and the control group, after the evaluations. Participants in the online exercise program group will be given a treatment protocol consisting of aerobic exercise and strengthening exercises in the presence of a physiotherapist for a total of 8 weeks, 1 hour on 2 days a week. The exercise program will be created according to the condition of the people and progression will be provided every 2 weeks. After the exercises are completed, cooling will be done with stretching exercises. Participants in the control group will be put on the waiting list after all assessment methods are applied and will be re-evaluated at the end of 8 weeks. Application of the exercise training online will prevent the difficulties of continuing the exercise program due to transportation problems, disability level or pandemic and will facilitate the participation of people with POMS in the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being diagnosed with pediatric onset multiple sclerosis
• EDSS <6
• Having internet access

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having an orthopedic problem affecting its mobility
• Blurred vision problem
• Having another diagnosis in addition to the diagnosis of pediatric onset multiple sclerosis
• Having had an attack or received corticosteroid treatment 3 months before participating in the study