Comprehensive Therapeutic Program For People With Multiple Sclerosis

Comprehensive Therapeutic Program For People With Multiple Sclerosis

This study investigates the effectiveness of an intensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The program integrates intensive outpatient physiotherapy, psychotherapeutic consultations, and nutritional counseling to enhance motor and cognitive functions, promote neuroplasticity, and improve overall well-being as well as physical performance in PwMS. Through clinical assessments and standardized questionnaires, the study aims to provide scientific evidence on the benefits of comprehensive, non-pharmacological therapy as a core element in MS treatment.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease predominantly affecting young adults and often leads to significant limitations in both professional and social life. Current therapeutic approaches apart from pharmacotherapy, emphasize non-pharmacological interventions, rehabilitation, and holistic lifestyle modifications (Duan, 2023).

This study provides individuals with MS the opportunity to participate in an intensive 4-month single-arm therapeutic program that combines specialized outpatient physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and nutritional counseling. The physiotherapy component is based on a scientifically validated approach-Motor Program Activating Therapy-which directly targets motor control and central nervous system function (Řasová, 2015).The program was developed by two physiotherapists specializing in MS during their doctoral studies (Procházková, 2020; Prokopiusová, 2020), whose research focused on factors influencing disease progression and the efficacy of physiotherapeutic interventions. In this prospective study participants will undergo outpatient program aiming to enhance neuroplasticity, improve physical and psychological functions, physical performance and contribute to long-term health maintenance.

Inclusion criteria:

• Confirmed clinical diagnosis of MS
• Age ≤ 75 years
• Predominantly motor impairment
• EDSS 2-8
• Ability and motivation to attend outpatient physiotherapy regularly

Exclusion criteria:

• Contraindications such as severe orthopedic or cardiovascular dysfunction, or presence of another neurological disorder