The Effectiveness of Functional Stimulation in Multiple Sclerosis (Literature Review)

Abstract

Introduction. The restoration of motor functions in patients with multiple sclerosis is a priority task of medical rehabilitation in orderto slow the progression of the orthopedic defect and patients’ quality of life improvement. Despite the usage of disease modifying drugs, patients suffering from significant neurological disorders gain orthopedic complications. A decrease in physical activity leadsto increased body weight, trophic and other disorders, aggravating the course of the main illness and complicating the process of medical rehabilitation. Mobile functional electrical stimulation devices (FES) could became an innovative mean for the improvement of MS patient’s mobility and gait in everyday life. Aim. To provide evidence-based data from clinical studies on the potential of FES devices usage in clinical practice by patients with paresis of the lower extremities. The article deals with general characteristics of modern devices of functional electrostimulation,compares the most popular devices. The results of meta-analyzes and clinical studies on the effectiveness and safety of FES devices forthe rehabilitation of patients with multiple sclerosis are presented. The influence of functional electrical stimulation on gait parameters,ankle joint functional mobility and quality of life are considered. Conclusion. When patients with MS undergo rehabilitation using neuro-orthoses with FES, the pattern of gait is normalized, stability of walking is increased, the number of falls and the need for additional support are reduced. Among the main advantages of FES a significant increase in the mobility and independence of patients, which directly affects the quality of life is noted. FES has a positive effect on the level of physical activity and on muscle strength, cardio-respiratory parameters, as well as on a decrease in the severity of paresis. FES therapy in motion is an excellent rehabilitation tool with proved therapeutic efficacy when used in the rehabilitation of MS patients.