Investigating the Effects of Telerehabilitation on Improving the Physical Activity of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: This study systematically evaluates the effect of telerehabilitation on improving physical activity, physical function, and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials and Methods: Studies were obtained by searching the title, abstract, and keywords without time limit in the Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs institute checklist. The same checklist was used for data extraction. Results: A total of 16 eligible articles were found. In 12 studies, the results showed significant performance improvement, reduced fatigue, improved physical activity, and general balance in the telerehabilitation approach. Furthermore, of the 16 included studies, 5(31) reported an improvement in individuals’ QoL, two of which showed a significant improvement in the individuals’ QoL in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusion: The findings of this review showed that telerehabilitation services for MS individuals’ precautions are comparable to or better than conventional services. Telerehabilitation is an effective educational instrument to restitute and maintain physical activity and balance in individuals with MS; however, no considerable improvement in individuals’ QoL was reported.

Keywords

• Multiple sclerosis
• Telerehabilitation
• Remote rehabilitation
• Physical activity