In 2015, Karbandi, et. al., conducted study about Multiple sclerosis which is a debilitating condition that exerts a significant physical and emotional toll on individuals affected by the disease. Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by patients with multiple sclerosis and can significantly impact their quality of life. To address this issue, researchers conducted a clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of individualized versus group-based yoga exercises in alleviating fatigue among patients with multiple sclerosis.
The study involved 85 patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who were divided into two groups: individualized exercise and group exercise. The intervention spanned six weeks and consisted of gentle stretching and basic yoga exercises performed twice daily. Participants’ demographic information was collected through a questionnaire, and data on fatigue levels were obtained using a standardized fatigue scale and self-reported checklists. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.
After the intervention, the average fatigue perception scores were 27.9 ± 15.9 for the group exercise group and 27.1 ± 17.2 for the individual exercise group. The analysis revealed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05) in terms of fatigue levels. However, when examining the data from patients who completed the individual exercise program, a statistically significant difference in perceived fatigue levels was observed across the three measurements (P = 0.013). Notably, this difference was not significant among those participating in the group exercise program.
The findings suggest that engaging in mild stretching exercises and basic yoga, whether in an individual or group setting, can be a recommended and cost-effective approach for managing fatigue in patients with mild to moderate disabilities due to multiple sclerosis. These exercises provide an accessible and feasible method for alleviating fatigue in this patient population. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of yoga exercises on fatigue and to identify optimal strategies for tailoring interventions to individual patient needs.
In conclusion, this study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating yoga exercises into the management of fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients, emphasizing the importance of personalized exercise programs in addressing the unique needs of individuals with this condition.
Reference: Karbandi, S., Gorji, M. A. H., Mazloum, S. R., Norian, A., & Aghaei, N. (2015). Effectiveness of group versus individual yoga exercises on fatigue of patients with multiple sclerosis. North American journal of medical sciences, 7(6), 266.