Objective: Although numerous multiple sclerosis (MS) patients display decreased motor performance and cognitive deficits, little is known about rehabilitative methods and assessment strategies that are based on the brain’s ability to learn through motor-cognitive patterns. Commonly used methods, such as the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), can only unravel limited new information on individual motor-cognitive experiencing and the capacity to change this through brain learning. Therefore, we set out to design a new tool for the simultaneous assessment of multiple parameters in MS patients: the Neuroplasticity Scale (NS) – an inductive rehabilitation methodology, based on Feldenkrais Method (FM) movement protocols.
Methodology: In this proof-of-concept study we performed our procedure on a single subject, an MS patient with severe instability and spasticity, who was carefully selected. Our methodology included a baseline evaluation (Week 0), followed by six weeks of intervention (Intervention Weeks 1- 6). NS assessment was performed both before and after the intervention. All throughout the procedure, the subject carried out home training, which was guided by auditory cues for perception, movement patterns, spatial orientation, movement timing, changes of attention and daily life functionality, and was used to establish subsequent practice.
Results: Based on the subject’s significant balance improvement and spasticity reduction, the NS appears to be useful, easy to use and effective; in addition, it improves functional organization in specific motor patterns through brain learning.
Conclusion: The NS enables both practitioners and patients to assess changes in sensory-motor and cognitive processes during action; it is useful for qualitatively evaluating multiple parameters that define the current clinical image of an MS patient. Therefore, upon further refinement and wider application to additional patients, it may be used for the establishment of structured rehabilitative interventions and home training repetitive programmes, as well as improved questionnaires, based on an individual’s specific functional needs.
doi: 10.17756/jnen.2023-102
Citation: Reziti T. 2023. An Individualized Intervention, Based on the Feldenkrais Method, for Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms: The Neuroplasticity Scale Assessment. J Neurol Exp Neurosci 9(1): 7-17.
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