Evaluating the effectiveness of different exercise approaches in individuals providing primary care to multiple sclerosis patients

Due to symptoms such as muscle weakness, spasticity, and fatigue, MS patients require assistance in meeting their personal care needs. Individuals providing primary care to MS patients may experience musculoskeletal problems due to these difficulties. Chronic low back pain is one of the most common issues encountered in these patients. The aim of our study is to investigate the effectiveness of different exercise approaches in individuals with chronic low back pain who provide primary care to MS patients. Forty-one patients between the ages of 18 and 60, who had been experiencing back pain for the past 12 weeks and voluntarily agreed to participate in the study, were included. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 received an exercise treatment program under the supervision of a physiotherapist and a home exercise program, while Group 2 only received a home exercise program. The participants were evaluated using a patient idetification form, Visual Analog Scale, Algometer device, Oswestry Disability Index, Bakas Caregiver Impact Scale, hand-finger floor distance test, 30-second sit-to-stand test, Beck Anxiety Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Scale, and Expanded Disability Status Scale parameters. Assessments were conducted before treatment and after a six-week treatment period. The results of the intra-group evaluations showed improvements in pain and pain tolerance, functionality, and anxiety for both groups (p≤0.005). However, there was no statistically significant difference observed between the two groups in the inter-group comparison (p≥0.005)