Physiotherapy
Finlayson M, Plow M, Cho C. Use of physical therapy services among middle-aged and older adults with multiple sclerosis. Phys Ther 2010; 90(11):1607-18.
The purpose of this study was to examine the use of and need for physical therapy services in a sample of adults with MS living in the Midwestern United States. Data from telephone interviews with 1,065 people with MS, aged 45 to 90 years, were used. Factors associated with use of and need for physical therapy services reflect issues of access (geographical, referrals), MS status, and mobility difficulties.
Wiles CM. Physiotherapy and related activities in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2008; 14 (7):863-871.
Reviews randomized controlled trials into rehabilitation packages, physiotherapy or related specific and non-specific techniques in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Smedal T, Lygren H, Myhr KM, et al. Balance and gait improved in patients with MS after physiotherapy based on the Bobath concept. Physiother Res Int 2006; 11(2):104-16.
A case study of two patients with stable relapsing/remitting MS looked at physiotherapy at baseline, during treatment, immediately following treatment and two months later. The key feature of treatment was facilitation of postural activity and selective control of movement. Participants showed improved balance and quality of gait.
Crippa A, Cardini R, Pellegatta D, Manzoni S, Cattaneo D, Marazzini F. Effects of sudden, passive muscle shortening according to Grimaldi’s method on patients suffering from multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2004;18(1):47-52.
Randomised trial of Grimald’s method to improve hip abductor use. 20 people with MS received active treatment and 20 controls. Findings show statistically significant improvement in hip movement in people receiving treatment.
Feys P, Helsen WF, Liu X, Lavrysen A, Nuttin B, Ketelaer P. Effects of vision and arm position on amplitude of arm postural tremor in patients with multiple sclerosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85(6): 1031-3.
>16 people with MS were compared with 16 controls to identify whether arm tremor was affected by flexing or extending the arm, or by closing their eyes. In people with MS, amplitude of arm postural tremor was found to be independent of vision and arm position.