Options for Activation of Plastic and Adaptation Processes in the Central Nervous System using Physiotherapy in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Abstract
The incidence of multiple sclerosis world-wide and in the Czech Republic continues to rise. It is one of the most common diseases that disables young people and excludes them from work as well as social life.
Pharmacotherapy of this disease is insufficient to suppress progression. A comprehensive approach including physiotherapy is needed to reduce the symptoms of this disease.
Current research aims to identify options for the most effective use of physiotherapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and is exploring the ways to actively and purposefully influence plastic and adaptive processes of the central nervous system. We discuss this theme in the present review article.
We summarize the issue of neuroplasticity in general (and specifically in multiple sclerosis) and discuss the options for displaying plastic and adaptation processes (using functional magnetic resonance imaging in particular). Furthermore, we mention current physiotherapy approaches for multiple sclerosis and their potential impact on neuroplasticity.
We summarize the results of our own research that monitors (via various imaging methods) the effect of the Motor Programs Activating Therapy, a new facilitation physiotherapy approach.