1Department of Physiotherapy, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
2Department of Biomedical Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
Online published on 18 July, 2017.
Symptomatic management to improve the quality of life, also maintaining and increasing functional independence in patient with MS is highly desirable, for as greater independence is achieved less reliance is placed on family, social and health services.
The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a newly proposed approach (the combined therapeutic method) in the management of MS.
Method: The 45 year old male MS patient for the study was referred for physiotherapy both within Nigeria and abroad by physicians. The treatment duration for the application of the new combined therapeutic method (period of study) was 31 weeks and was divided into 2 sessions: the first 8 weeks of traditional oneto-one method and the second 22 weeks monitored self administered therapeutic exercise in ADL. EDSS and PFA were measured before and after treatment.
The result revealed a gradual reduction in EDSS from 6 to 2 in the first 8 weeks and to almost 0 at the end of the second 22 weeks while PFA increased from 1 to 4.
The authors hereby concluded from this study that the combined therapeutic approach is an effective method in the symptomatic management of MS in Nigerian environment.
Multiple sclerosis, Physiotherapy management, Activities of daily living, Combined approach, Traditional method
