Effect of Home Exercise Program on Various Parameters in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Examination of the Effect of Home Exercise Program on Various Parameters in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Single-Blind Trial

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and autoimmune disease that progresses with progressive neurological dysfunction and affects the central nervous system. A multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach is crucial in the systematic and supportive treatment of MS. Exercise training is a therapeutic approach that minimizes functional capacity loss and slows progression in MS. Randomized controlled studies have shown that exercise training improves physical fitness, reduces motor fatigue, and improves the quality of life and psychological state in individuals with MS.

When the literature is examined, it is seen that popular exercises such as pilates, yoga, and Tai-Chi are used in addition to aerobics, strengthening, endurance, and stretching exercises in the treatment of individuals with MS. In order to eliminate the economic burden, which is one of the exercise barriers of individuals, and to gain exercise habits, home exercise programs should be expanded. When the literature is examined, it is emphasized that the importance of home exercise programs is emphasized, and it is very important in the treatment of patients who cannot attend an exercise program, especially by going to any center for various reasons. However, there is little information on the effectiveness and content of home exercise programs in patients with MS. From this point of view, this study is capable of supporting the missing part of the literature.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. To be between the ages of 18-65
2. Being diagnosed with MS according to McDonald criteria
3. Having an EDSS score between 0-5.5
4. Being in the Relapsing Remitting class as a clinical subtype of MS
5. Not having any nervous system pathology other than MS
6. Not having an MS attack in the last 1 month
7. To ensure full cooperation and adaptation throughout the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Being in an exacerbation period
2. To have participated in a regular physical activity program in the last 6 months
3. Having an orthopedic, cardiopulmonary or psychiatric disease that prevents exercise
4. Continuing another exercise therapy
5. Not volunteering to participate in the study
6. Having problems with reading comprehension