Cryostimulation factor supporting rehabilitation patients with multiple sclerosis and fatigue syndrome

INTRODUCTION: Fatigue is considered to be one of the most prevalent and disabling symptoms among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). According to different studies, fatigue is reported by 75-95% of patients. Fatigue syndrome considerably affects quality of life. Characteristic feature of fatigue syndrome in multiple sclerosis is its relapse caused by warmth. There are only a few researches into fatigue in multiple sclerosis. The most commonly used scale to estimate fatigue is Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Cryostimulation has been applied to treat depression. AIM OF THE STUDY: Comparison of the influence of cryostimulation as a supporting factor of kinesytherapy on increasing strength of selected muscle groups of inferior extremities and degree of disability in case of patients with multiple sclerosis and fatigue syndrome and without the latter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examination included 60 randomized patients with diagnosed multiple sclerosis (ICD10-G35). To assess the results scales: EDSS, FSS and widespread Lovett scale (punctation with accuracy of measurement 0.5 point) were used. Interpretation of the FSS scale results was made according to Krupp and comp. Fatigue syndrome was diagnosed where results reached 6.5 and higher. Evaluaton of muscle strength concerning chosen muscles groups of inferior extremities: quadriceps femoris, illopsoas, biceps femoris. When the strength of leg muscles was asymmetric, lower values of Lovett scale were used. Patients were divided into 2 groups with regard to positive or negative fatigue syndrome. In the examined group (n = 24) fatigue syndrome was positive (FSS under 6.5) and control (n = 36) negative (FSS under 6.5). All patients were treated with cryostimulation and individual program of exercises adapted to their degree of disability. RESULTS: The use of cryostimulation and kinesytherapy to patients with MS and fatigue syndrome indicates statistically important (p = 0.05) decrease of disability degree in EDSS scale and improvement of muscle strength of quadriceps femoris and illiopsoas compared to MS patients without fatigue syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Cryostimulation is a factor supporting rehabilitation patients with multiple sclerosis and fatigue syndrome.

Miller, E. (2010) “[Cryostimulation factor supporting rehabilitation patients with multiple sclerosis and fatigue syndrome]”. Wiad Lek 63 (2) 41-5.

Full Article : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20941916