Assessment of motor function in Multiple Sclerosis patients treated with Methylprednisolone

The objective of the current study was to exhaustively assess whether Methylprednisolone produces changes in physical functioning in different populations of people with MS, by using a battery of established instruments. Therefore, various measurement instruments regarding functioning of the movement system as well as movement activities were applied to a group of Multiple Sclerosis patients treated with Methylprednisolone. Participating patients completed the battery of selected instruments before the start of treatment with Methylprednisolone and they were then followed up 12 weeks after treatment initiation. Scores on the various instruments included in the physiotherapeutic measurement protocol enables a valid assessment of the course of motor functioning of Multiple Sclerosis patients. Motor functioning of patients in the relapsing-remitting phase of Multiple Sclerosis showed significant improvement in nearly all components after treatment with Methylprednisolone, whereas motor functioning of patients in the secondary-progressive phase of the disease remained unchanged.

Methylprednisolone seems to improve the motor function of Multiple Sclerosis patients in the relapsing-remitting phase. As outcomes of the measurements included in the physiotherapeutic measurement protocol can serve as a guideline in decision making about treatment, the physiotherapeutic measurement protocol has added value in the treatment of patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.