Evaluation of the Influence of a Core Muscle Control-Based Rehabilitation Program Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Treatment tested

• rehabilitation programme based on motor control of core muscles

Other measures (5)

Inclusion Criteria: * - Age between 18 and 70 years. * Confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis based on McDonald criteria, with an evolution time of more than two years (remitting or progressive) (24). * Multiple Sclerosis Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 2 (minimal disability in one of the functional systems), and 7.5 (inability to take more than a few steps. Limited to wheelchair and transfer support. Ability to move the chair, but not all day if the chair is conventional and lacks a motor) (25, 26). * Stable medical treatment for at least six months prior to surgery (26). * Absence of cognitive impairment, with ability to understand instructions and score 24 or higher on the Minimental Test (27). * Urinary incontinence as a consequence of neurological involvement. Exclusion Criteria: * - Diagnosis of another neurological disease or musculoskeletal disorder other than MS. * Diagnosis of any cardiovascular, respiratory, genitourinary, metabolic or other conditions that may interfere with this study. * Having presented urinary incontinence prior to the diagnosis of MS. * Have suffered an exacerbation or hospitalisation in the last 3 months before starting the assessment protocol, or during the therapeutic intervention process. * Have received a course of intravenous or oral steroids 6 months prior to the start of the assessment protocol and within the intervention period of the study duration.

Given the structural relationship of the CORE as a whole, in this study we propose an intervention based on the global motor control of all the structures that make up the CORE to assess its effectiveness on urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction and balance, as well as its relationship with respiratory function. According to our hypothesis, a global intervention could also be taken into account during conventional treatment in the future, helping to prevent genitourinary dysfunctions derived from alterations in motor control.