Rehabilitation therapy versus drug-only therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis

TL;DR

This study shows that combining drug therapy with rehabilitation therapy improves mobility and dexterity in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the added benefits of rehabilitation therapy when combined with drug treatment for MS.

Findings

Rehabilitation therapy improved lower limb muscle strength and walking coordination in MS patients.

Patients showed enhanced dexterity in the dominant hand with combined therapy.

Long-term adherence to physical and occupational therapy is emphasized for sustained benefits.

Abstract

The treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) does not cure the disease, but it is intended to reduce the intensity, duration, and frequency of symptoms. Rehabilitation therapy (RT), including an individualized physical therapy program (PTP) and adapted occupational therapy (OT), has benefits in terms of aerobic capacity, muscle strength, coordination, and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). The primary objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of RT comprising PTP, OT, and drug treatment (DT) versus DT alone in patients with MS. Another objective was to highlight the importance of continuing the PT and OT at home, in the long term, practically for their entire life.

Between 2020 and 2022, a follow-up observational study was conducted that included 77 patients diagnosed with MS, independent in terms of ability to perform ADL, divided into two groups: group A (39 patients who complied with the RT) and group B (38 patients who did not comply). At the beginning and end of the study, the following parameters were assessed: timed walk for 25 feet [Timed 25-Foot Walk test (T25FW test)], dexterity of the upper limbs [9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT)], and cognitive function [Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT)].

Significant improvement in the experimental group was observed regarding the mobility and the performance of leg function (T25FW, p < 0.05) and finger dexterity (9HPT, p < 0.05) for the dominant hand.

The current study proves the importance of combining DT with RT in MS therapy with clear benefits in regaining muscle strength in the lower limbs, thus improving coordination and balance while walking and improving dexterity in the dominant hand.