Feasibility and effectiveness of telerehabilitation on mobility and balance function in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system with a significant impact on mobility and balance function. Telerehabilitation is an emerging branch of telemedicine which has the potential to deliver rehabilitation remotely through the use of information and communication technology. The aim of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis is to synthesise and analyse the evidence on the effectiveness of telerehabilitation in improving mobility and balance function in MS and to determine its feasibility.

Methods

Four electronic databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Science Direct and Cinahl) were searched in January 2024 using some of the following terms: “Multiple Sclerosis” AND “Telerehabilitation” OR “Exergaming” OR” Virtual Reality”. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool. The meta-analysis was conducted using Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager Software (version 5.4.1).

Results

Five Randomised Controlled Trials were included with a total sample size of 225 participants who had MS. The meta-analyses found significant statistical and clinical effects of telerehabilitation for both Mobility ((P = 0.02; SMD = 0.41; 95 % CI: 0.05, 0.77) and Balance (P = 0.0001; SMD = 0.64; 95 % CI: 0.31, 0.97) outcomes. Feasibility was found to be >90 %.

Conclusion

This review found evidence in favour of telerehabilitation using exergaming and Pilate-based interventions. Further studies are needed with larger sample sizes of high methodological quality. The findings of this review highlight the potential of telerehabilitation to fulfil an unmet need in care pathways which currently exists in MS rehabilitation.