Summary:
Rehabilitation of subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS) was focused in the past only on specific motor
deficiencies and the patient´s fatigue was considered the limiting factor. The patients were advised to
restrict physical activity. Recently evidence is cumulating that this procedure was incorrect and
conversely that the physical fitness of the patients can be improved and pharmacologically resistant
fatigue influenced by correctly conducted physiotherapeutic methods in adequate amounts. The
objective of the present investigation was to influence by a comprehensive physiotherapeutic programme (incl. aerobic training) the physical fitness, fatigue and neurological deficiency of patients with
MS. In the investigation participated eighteen patients suffering from MS. The experimental group was
subjected for six weeks for 5 hours per week to a physiotherapeutic programme incl. individual therapy
(aerobic training, eclectic physiotherapeutic approach), group therapy (respiratory training, relaxati -
on training) and counselling services. The limit of the load throughout the programme (within the
framework of treatment as well as common everyday activities) was not the hitherto used subjective
symptom of fatigue but the objective value of 60% VO2 max (the maximum oxygen consumption). The
control group was not subjected to any therapeutic procedure and promised that they will not alter
their usual habits. The probands of the experimental and control group were examined by a neurologist,
physiotherapist, on a posturograph and ergometer. In the experimental group after six weeks treatment
improvement of all investigated parameters was recorded. The comprehensive physiotherapeutic
programme which included aerobic training had a positive effect on the probands.
Key words:
multiple sclerosis, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, aerobic training, fitness
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