#137: Innovative MS Rehabilitation Approaches – Insights from ECTRIMS 2025

In this episode, we dive into five innovative rehabilitation studies presented at ECTRIMS 2025. From the validation of digital assessments to family-centered care and home-based rehabilitation, these studies offer promising insights for people living with MS. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode highlights tools and approaches that can improve quality of life, independence, and symptom management.

📰 Prefer reading instead?
👉 Check out the full blog article with all study summaries here: https://ms-perspektive.com/137-rehab-ectrims

🧠 Poster Summaries 1. Robot-based assessment of motor-cognitive dual-task abilities in unimpaired adults

Authors: E. Misley et al.
Summary:
This study validated the use of "hunova" – a robotic platform that integrates digital cognitive tests with motor tasks – in healthy adults.
Results:
Strong correlations with traditional tests, faster performance digitally, and high agreement between test types suggest this tool could be valuable in MS for real-time, objective, and combined motor-cognitive assessments.
Evidence Level: Early validation study (Level III – non-randomized).
Why it matters: Digital cognitive-motor testing could offer a faster, scalable way to detect subtle impairments in MS.

2. Evaluating Inpatient Rehabilitation at a National MS Centre in Norway

Authors: Gunnes, M. et al.
Summary:
A structured assessment of inpatient rehabilitation outcomes across multiple domains (QoL, fatigue, self-efficacy, symptoms).
Results:
Significant improvements in symptom burden, QoL, and function from admission to discharge and 6 weeks post-discharge. Some relapse after discharge indicates the need for continued support.
Evidence Level: Level II (observational, real-world data).
Why it matters: Inpatient rehab clearly benefits MS patients, but ongoing follow-up is crucial to maintain gains.

3. Combining Home-Based Digital Telerehabilitation with In-Hospital Therapy in Progressive MS

Authors: Gandolfi M. et al.
Summary:
Participants with progressive MS received both in-hospital sessions and 12 weeks of digital telerehabilitation.
Results:
Although primary motor outcomes did not show significant differences yet, patient satisfaction and acceptability of the digital program were very high.
Evidence Level: Level II (well-designed RCT, small sample).
Why it matters: A hybrid rehab model could become a scalable, patient-friendly long-term approach, especially for those with limited access to clinics.

4. Effectiveness of MS Centers vs. General Healthcare in Improving QoL

Authors: E. Grigoriadou et al.
Summary:
Compared outcomes in patients treated at MS Centers versus general healthcare settings.
Results:
MS Center patients had faster diagnoses, better MRI access, fewer delays, and higher satisfaction scores, with less anxiety and pain.
Evidence Level: Level III (observational cohort).
Why it matters: MS Centers offer significantly better coordinated care, impacting everyday wellbeing and disease progression.

5. Digital Resource Development for MS Family Caregivers (DigiTRAC Study)

Authors: Afolasade Fakolade et al.
Summary:
A co-creation study involving caregivers and service providers to design an ideal digital support platform.
Results:
Top priorities were ease of use, MS treatment info, and emotional wellbeing tools. Respondents emphasized the need for multimedia content and accessible tech.
Evidence Level: Level IV (qualitative + survey-based design).
Why it matters: Well-designed digital resources could reduce caregiver burden and improve resilience for families supporting MS patients.

💡 Key Takeaways for People with MS:

• Digital tools are becoming more validated and practical for cognitive and motor rehab.

• Inpatient rehab works, but consistent follow-up is needed.

• Home-based hybrid models offer flexibility and satisfaction.

• Where you get care matters—MS Centers outperform general care.

• Supporting caregivers is crucial for the whole care ecosystem.

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

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