Physical Therapy Interventions for Multiple Sclerosis and Diplegia

Background and Purpose – It is estimated that approximately 2.5 million people world-wide suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a neurological disease that impacts messages from the brain to motor and sensory nerves. This disruption can cause loss of sensation and motion to a specific region of the body. The purpose of this case study is to identify interventions used for a person with multiple sclerosis. Case Description – The Patient is a 40-year-old male who has been suffering from MS for 27 years. He has lost the use of his lower extremities and had contractures at his knees and ankles. Intervention – Interventions for this patient include active assistive range of motion (AAROM) and active range of motion (AROM), stretching, transfer training, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), gait and pre-gait training, and strengthening. Outcomes – The patient increased range of motion and strength in his lower extremities, improved sitting balance statically and dynamically, and was able to ambulate a functional distance with assistance. Discussion – The patient was very pleased overall with his gains in activities of daily living because of the time and effort he put forth in physical therapy. There is currently not a lot of research done on chronic MS accompanied by loss of function in the lower extremities