Explicit Motor Sequence Learning in Relapse-Remission MS Patients

Objective: The purpose of this study was studying of explicit motor learning in Relapse-Remission (RR) MS patients and compare with healthy subject. Materials & Methods: A serial reaction time task by using software was applied for studying explicit motor learning in 15 RRMS patients and 15 matched healthy subjects. In this task four squares with different colors appeared on the computer screen and the subjects were asked to press 1 of 4 keys corresponding to the appropriately colored square immediately after observing it. In the first day subjects practiced 8 motor blocks with a retention test consisted of 2 patterned blocks, 48 hours later. Before test, the subjects were told the order of random and patterned blocks, and then RT values were calculated for each block and K-S test, paired T test and independent-samples t-test were used to analyse the measured blocks times. Results: The patient groups performed this task slower than healthy groups (P<0.05). Blocks time difference between the first block and tenth block, were significant in both groups (P<0.05). But Explicit motor learning in healthy subjects was higher than patient groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Although patient groups performed this task slower than healthy subjects, there was motor learning in RRMS patient but this explicit motor learning was less than healthy matched subjects

Effects of Applying Hydrotherapy on Quality of Life in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common chronic diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), which causes important changes patient’s life, specially in adults life. MS decreases the quality of life (QOL) of patients severely and led to disability gradually. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of applying hydrotherapy on quality of life of Multiple Sclerosis patients. Materials & Methods: In this Quasi-experimental study, 50 Multiple Sclerosis patients were selected with no probability sampling according to specific criteria and then assigned to experimental and control groups (25 patients in each group) with balanced randomized allocation. Hydrotherapy performed for 24 sessions by experimental group during three months but no intervention was done for control group. Data collector tools included: demographic questionnaire, SF8- QOL questionnaire, Self report checklists. Statistical analysis was done by use of statistical tests such as: chi square, paired t-test, student t-test, ANOVA with repeated measurements and independent t-test.  Results: There was no significant difference between two groups in phycical and mental dimensions (P=0.04 & P=0.2) and whole (P=0.81) scores of QOL before intervention, but there were significant differences between two groups after intervention in these scores (P<0.001, P=0.003 & P<0.001). ANOVA test with repeated measurements showed that there is significant difference in mean score of whole (P=0.04) and physical (P=0.05) and mental (P=0.04) dimensions of QOL between two groups in 4 times. Conclusion: Hydrotherapy is practically feasible and is associated with increase of MS patient ,s QOL so that applying this technique can promote MS patient ,s QOL and offered to these patients

Effect of Energy Saving Technique on the Rate of Multiple Sclerotic Fatigue

Objective: Multiple Sclerosis is one of the most prevalent central nervous system demyelinization diseuse. Fatigue is a symptom of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). But indeed for the patients sometimes is so much more destroying than that. It is expected. Fatigue underlies and influences many of the other symptoms experienced by people with MS. To determine whether MS-Related fatigue, could be reduced after applying Energy Saving Techniques. Materials & Methods: This is a Quasi-experimental with Before-After Study design which was carried out in order to determine the effects of applying Energy Saving Techniques in the patients on MS-related Fatigue. These areas included Exercise, Rest & relaxation, Planning and Organization of daily activities, and body temperature control. Thirty nine convenient MS Patients were included and investigated over three months. Data collection tools included: demographic questionnaire, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and self report checklists. Results: Data analysis shows decline in fatigue level after applying Energy Saving Techniques. The mean level of fatique before applying techniques was 5/36 and after that decrease to 4/58. Conclusion: According to these finding, applying Energy Saving Techniques reduces the fatigue of patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Effect of Applying Progressive Muscle Relaxation Activities of Daily Living in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common chronic unpredictable demyelinization diseases of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The aim of this study is to assess the effect of applying the Progressive Muscle Relaxation on activities of daily living of Multiple Sclerosis patients. Materials & Methods: This is a interventional and experimental study. Sixty six Multiple Sclerosis patients were selected with non probability sampling according to specific criteria then assigned to experimental and control groups (33 patients in each group) with random allocation. Data collector tools included: demographic questionnaire, ADL-MS questionnaire and self report checklists. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) performed for 63 sessions by experimental group during two months but no intervention was done for control group. Data was analyzed by suing statistical analysis such as paired T-test, independent T-test, ANOVA and correlation coefficient determination.  Results: The findings showed that there is no significant difference between two groups in mean scores of ADL before the study (P>0/05) but there are significant differences, within one and two months after intervention (P<0/05). ANOVA test with repeated measurements showed that there is a significant difference in mean score of social dimension of ADL between two groups in 3 times (P<0/02), but no significant difference in mean scores of another dimensions of ADL (physical, sensory, intimacy) and whole ADL (P&ge0/095). Conclusion: The results of this study show that Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is practically feasible and may be associated with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) increase in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. Therefore, applying such technique can promote Multiple Sclerosis patients Activities of Daily Living