Functional Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System in People With Multiple Sclerosis

Evaluation of the Effect of the Physiotherapy on Mobility and Functional Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System in People With Multiple Sclerosis

The randomized controlled trial is aimed to study the efficacy of treatment approaches based on developmental kinesiology models and its impact on balance, gait and mobility in people with mild to severe multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The main goal is to compare two out-patient physiotherapeutic methods, that will be attended 1-hour twice a week for one month and once a week for next two months (16 therapies in total). The efficacy will be assessed by a blinded independent clinical examiner using clinical examination and questionnaire survey one month before the therapy programme, immediately before and after the therapy and two months after termination of the therapy.

The participants were randomly divided into two groups for three-month outpatient physiotherapeutic programme.

One group obtained treatment by MFK Method (Manual physiotherapeutic correction) and the second by DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization ). Both treatment methods were developed in the Czech Republic. All participants attended 1-hour MFK Method or DNS twice a week for one month and once a week for next two months (16 therapies in total).

The participants were examined three times - before the start of the physiotherapy program, immediately after its completion and six months apart.

Inclusion Criteria:

• exact diagnosis of MS stated by neurologist
• Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≥ 2 and ≤ 6,5
• no previous physiotherapy in six months
• no clinical relapses and changes in pharmacotherapy in the previous month or during the rehabilitation trial
• ability to undergo ambulatory physiotherapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• other neurological disease or conditions disabling movement (e.g. stroke, pregnancy, fracture)