Multiple Sclerosis Program

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Multiple Sclerosis Program

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Where it is present, inflammatory plaques mainly attack the white matter (the myelin layer) of the nerve fibers. MS is a multi-faceted illness, and its symptoms depend on what areas of the CNS are affected by the disease process. Therefore, there is no fixed pattern of MS symptoms.

The symptoms vary over time. The following symptoms are the most common:

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Spasticity
• Coordination problems
• Reduced bladder control
• Loss of strength
• Tactile sensibility dysfunction

Lokomat Training for Patients with MS

Gait rehabilitation is of importance for MS patients, in accordance with the severity and pattern of the disease in each individual. However, the typical MS symptoms of fatigue and spasticity often make gait training difficult. To relieve this difficulty as much as possible, the Lokomat system offers the patient task-oriented training and support that suits their specific condition. Specific settings on the Lokomat system can be used to systematically support the patient and to avoid making excessive demands on or overworking the patient, which is very important especially in the MS pathology.

Leading clinics recommend that patients train at least three times a week with the Lokomat system. A training session usually lasts one hour (depending on the patient’s stamina and the therapy plan).

Expected Training Effects from Lokomat Program

Treadmill training combined with other forms of physiotherapy improves walking ability, balance and endurance performance for MS sufferers. In principle, increased physical activity (endurance training) in therapy of MS patients is regarded as beneficial and sensible. Experience has shown that training with the Lokomat system leads to reduced tonus in the leg muscles. Thus, the spasticity that is often perceived in MS patients is usually reduced immediately after a training session.

Note: At this point, we would like to expressly state that these improvements are not solely and exclusively due to training with the Lokomat system. They must always be regarded as a result of Lokomat training in combination with other physiotherapeutic interventions.